Since the beginning of time, humankind has sought the answer to the question of why we are here.  There have been many theories postulated, with one such school of thought being that self-replicating ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a precursor to life.  One of the main structural components of RNA is the sugar ribose.  The primary goal of this experimental work is to selectively synthesize ribose via the Butlerov (also known as formose) reaction by refluxing formaldehyde, an initiator, and base together.  Examples of bases that are being used are calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide, and thiazolium salts.  Additional bases that resemble minerals present during prebiotic earth will also be examined.  To identify the products of the reaction, mixtures are are being reduced and benzoylated before being characterized via high performance liquid chromatography.  Additional analytical techniques of ultraviolet/visible absorption spectroscopy, thin layer chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry are being employed to further determine the composition of the reaction products.

Selective synthesis of ribose via the formose reaction under prebiotic conditions

249th National Meeting (2015)

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