title: Condensation of amino acids to form peptides in aqueous solution induced by the oxidation of sulfur(iv): an oxidative model for prebiotic peptide formation.
abstract: Condensation of amino acids to peptides is an important step during the origin of life. However, up to now, successful explanations for plausible prebiotic peptide formation pathways have been limited. Here we report that the oxidation of sulfur (IV) can induce the condensation reaction of carboxylic acids and amines to form amides, and the condensation reaction of amino acids to form peptides. This might be a general reaction contributing to prebiotic peptide formation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, P. R. China. yangdan@hku.hk
authors.forename: Fei
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yang
mesh_terms: D000596:Amino Acids / Q000737:chemistry*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry*; D012996:Solutions; D013455:Sulfur / Q000737:chemistry*; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D010455:Peptides; D012996:Solutions; D014867:Water; D013455:Sulfur