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Prebiotic polymerization: Oxidative polymerization of 2, 3-dimercapto-1-propanol on the surface of iron(III) hydroxide oxideThe oxidation of 2, 3-dimercapto-1-propanol by ferric ions on the surface of iron(III) hydroxide oxide (Fe(OH)O) yielded polydisulfide oligomers. This polymerization occurred readily at low dithiol concentration under mild aqueous conditions. Polydisulfide polymers up to the 15-mer were synthesized from 1 mM dithiol in 5 ml water reacted with iron(III) hydroxide oxide (20 mg, 160 micromole Fe) for 3 days under anaerobic conditions at 40 C and pH 4. About 91% of the dithiol was converted to short soluble oligomers and 9% to insoluble larger oligomers that were isolated with the Fe(OH)O phase. Reactions carried out at the same ratio of dithiol to Fe(OH)O but at higher dithiol concentrations gave higher yields of the larger insoluble oligomers. The relationship of these results to prebiotic polymer synthesis is discussed.
Document ID
19950057131
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Weber, Arthur L.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, US, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1995
Publication Information
Publication: Origins of Life and Evolution of the Biosphere
Volume: 25
Issue: 3-Jan
ISSN: 0169-6149
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Accession Number
95A88730
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-2097
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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