Experimental identification of aminomethanol (NH₂CH₂OH)-the key intermediate in the Strecker Synthesis.

ABSTRACT: The Strecker Synthesis of (a)chiral α-amino acids from simple organic compounds, such as ammonia (NH₃), aldehydes (RCHO), and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) has been recognized as a viable route to amino acids on primordial earth. However, preparation and isolation of the simplest hemiaminal intermediate - the aminomethanol (NH₂CH₂OH)- formed in the Strecker Synthesis to even the simplest amino acid glycine (H₂NCH₂COOH) has been elusive. Here, we report the identification of aminomethanol prepared in low-temperature methylamine (CH₃NH₂) - oxygen (O₂) ices upon exposure to energetic electrons. Isomer-selective photoionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PI-ReTOF-MS) facilitated the gas phase detection of a

SUBMITTER: Singh SK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8770675 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature