First prebiotic generation of a ribonucleotide from adenine, D-ribose and trimetaphosphate

Chem Commun (Camb). 2011 Mar 28;47(12):3640-2. doi: 10.1039/c1cc10310e. Epub 2011 Feb 9.

Abstract

Adenosine monophosphate isomers are obtained by self-assembling of adenine, D-ribose and trimetaphosphate in aqueous solution in good yields. This generation of a ribonucleotide from its three molecular components occurs in a one-pot reaction at room temperature for about 30-40 days and with high chemio-, regio-, and stereo-selectivity. Similar results are obtained with guanine. A mechanism is also proposed.

MeSH terms

  • Adenine / chemistry*
  • Polyphosphates / chemistry*
  • Prebiotics*
  • Ribonucleotides / chemical synthesis*
  • Ribonucleotides / chemistry*
  • Ribose / chemistry*

Substances

  • Polyphosphates
  • Prebiotics
  • Ribonucleotides
  • Ribose
  • trimetaphosphoric acid
  • Adenine