Formation of amino acids on heating glycine with alumina.
The conversion of glycine into amino acids on heating at 240 degrees C with basic manganous carbonate and alumina is investigated. Alanine, alpha-aminobutyric acid, norvaline, norleucine, sarcosine, N-ethylglycine, N-methylalanine, N-ethylalanine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid are identified among the products of the reaction. Paper chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance are used for the analysis. A scheme for the observed transformations is presented and it is suggested that it may have been a pathway for the synthesis of amino acids from glycine under primitive Earth conditions.
D000534:Alum Compounds; D000596:Amino Acids / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D005075:Biological Evolution; D005998:Glycine; D006358:Hot Temperature
D000534:Alum Compounds; D000596:Amino Acids; D005998:Glycine