Formaldehyde reacts with HCN and NH<sub>3</sub> in aqueous solution to generate amino acids, alpha-hydroxy acids, and other relevant prebiotic molecules. We have calculated a free energy map connecting a network of two-carbon species to examine the thermodynamics and kinetics of the reactions that could take place. We have also computed the free energies for the initial co-oligomerization of formaldehyde and pyrrole en route to porphyrin formation. Understanding these reactions could shed light on the feasibility of aqueous prebiotic chemistry involving mixtures of small molecules with formaldehyde.

Computational studies of formaldehyde reactions with HCN, ammonia, and pyrrole relevant to prebiotic chemistry

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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