Clay-mediated reactions of HCN oligomers - The effect of the oxidation state of the clayMontmorillonite clays which contain Fe(III) inhibit the oligomerization of aqueous solutions of HCN. The inhibitory effect is due to the rapid oxidation of diaminomaleonitrile, a key intermediate in HCN oligomerization, by the Fe(III) incorporated into the aluminosilicate lattice of the clay. The Fe(III) oxidizes diaminomaleonitrile to diiminosuccinonitrile, a compound which is rapidly hydrolyzed to HCN and oxalic acid derivatives. Diaminomaleonitrile is not oxidized when Fe(III) in the montmorillonite is reduced with hydrazine. The oxidation state of the clay is an important variable in experiments designed to simulate clay catalysis on the primitive earth.
Document ID
19820037382
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Ferris, J. P. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst. Troy, NY, United States)
Alwis, K. W. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst. Troy, NY, United States)
Edelson, E. H. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst. Troy, NY, United States)
Mount, N. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst. Troy, NY, United States)
Hagan, W. J., Jr. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States)