Nitrile regio-synthesis by Ni centers on a siliceous surface: implications in prebiotic chemistry

Chem Commun (Camb). 2022 Oct 13;58(82):11579-11582. doi: 10.1039/d2cc04361k.

Abstract

By means of quantum chemistry (PBE0/def2-TZVPP; DLPNO-CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ) and small, but reliable models of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS), an array of astrochemically-relevant catalysis products, related to prebiotic and origin of life chemistry, has been theoretically explored. In this work, the heterogeneous phase hydrocyanation reaction of an unsaturated CC bond (propene) catalyzed by a Ni center complexed to a silica surface is analyzed. Of the two possible regioisomers, the branched iso-propyl-cyanide is thermodynamically and kinetically preferred over the linear n-propyl-cyanide (T = 200 K). The formation of nitriles based on a regioselective process has profound implications on prebiotic and origin of life chemistry, as well as deep connections to terrestrial surface chemistry and geochemistry.

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Cyanides*
  • Nitriles* / chemistry
  • Silicon Dioxide

Substances

  • Cyanides
  • Nitriles
  • Silicon Dioxide