Can cytosine, thymine and uracil be formed in interstellar regions? A theoretical study

dc.contributor.authorWang, T.
dc.contributor.authorBowie, J.
dc.date.issued2012
dc.description.abstractThis theoretical study investigates possible synthetic routes to cytosine, uracil and thymine in the gas phase from precursor molecules that have been detected in interstellar media. Studies at the CCSD(T)/6-311++G(d,p)//B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory suggest that: The reactions between :CCCNH and :CCCO with monosolvated urea may constitute viable interstellar syntheses of cytosine and uracil. No low energy equilibration between cytosine and uracil has been demonstrated. The interaction of :CH2 with the 5 C–H bond of uracil may form thymine in an energetically favourable reaction, but competing reactions where :CH2 reacts with double bonds and other CH and NH bonds of uracil, reduce the effectiveness of this synthesis. The reaction between the hydrated propional enolate anion and isocyanic acid may produce thymine, in a reaction sequence where ΔGreaction(298 K) is −22 kJ mol−1 and the maximum energy requirement (barrier to the first transition state) is only 47 kJ mol−1.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityTianfang Wang and John H. Bowie
dc.identifier.citationOrganic and Biomolecular Chemistry, 2012; 10(3):652-662
dc.identifier.doi10.1039/c1ob06352a
dc.identifier.issn1477-0520
dc.identifier.issn1477-0539
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/69806
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherRoyal Soc Chemistry
dc.relation.grantARC
dc.rightsThis journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2012
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1039/c1ob06352a
dc.subjectAcetaldehyde
dc.subjectAcetylene
dc.subjectNitriles
dc.subjectUrea
dc.subjectCytosine
dc.subjectUracil
dc.subjectThymine
dc.subjectTemperature
dc.subjectModels, Chemical
dc.titleCan cytosine, thymine and uracil be formed in interstellar regions? A theoretical study
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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