Exploring Forsterite Surface Catalysis in HCN Polymerization : Computational Insights for Astrobiology and Prebiotic Chemistry
Bancone, Niccolò (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Química)
Pantaleone, Stefano (Università degli Studi di Torino. Dipartimento di Chimica)
Ugliengo, Piero (Università degli Studi di Torino. Dipartimento di Chimica)
Rimola Gibert, Albert (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Química)
Corno, Marta (Università degli Studi di Torino. Dipartimento di Chimica)

Date:	2025
Abstract:	Understanding the catalytic role of cosmic mineral surfaces is crucial for elucidating the chemical evolution needed for the emergence of life on Earth and other planetary systems. In this study, the catalytic role of silicate forsterite (Mg2SiO4) surfaces in the synthesis of iminoacetonitrile (IAN, HN=CH-CN) from the condensation of two hydrogen cyanide (HCN) molecules is investigated through quantum mechanical simulations. Using density functional theory calculations, the potential energy surfaces alongside the kinetics of various surface-mediated reactions leading to the formation of IAN are characterized. The effectiveness of forsterite as a catalyst is a delicate balance of the surface reactivity: on one side, the deprotonation of HCN is mandatory to trigger the dimerization; on the other side, the species should be weakly bound to the surface, thus allowing for their diffusion to meet with each other. The work reveals interesting counterintuitive results: the (120) and (101) forsterite surfaces (the less reactive ones) exhibit favorable catalytic properties for the reaction, in detriment to the (111) one (one of the most reactive). The implications of these findings in the astrobiology and prebiotic chemistry fields and for laboratory experiments are discussed, highlighting the potential role of cosmic silicates in the synthesis of complex organic molecules.
Grants:	European Commission 865657 Agencia Estatal de Investigación PID2021-126427NB-I00 Agencia Estatal de Investigación CNS2023-144902
Note:	Altres ajuts: acords transformatius de la UAB
Rights:	Aquest document està subjecte a una llicència d'ús Creative Commons. Es permet la reproducció total o parcial, la distribució, la comunicació pública de l'obra i la creació d'obres derivades, fins i tot amb finalitats comercials, sempre i quan es reconegui l'autoria de l'obra original.
Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió publicada
Subject:	IR ; ISM ; Astrochemistry ; DFT ; Kinetics ; Silicates ; Comets ; Meteorites ; Adenine
Published in:	ACS earth and space chemistry, Vol. 9, Issue 2 (February 2025) , p. 303-313, ISSN 2472-3452

DOI: 10.1021/acsearthspacechem.4c00282
PMID: 40008143

11 p, 3.9 MB

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