Protocell Self-Assembly Driven by Sodium Trimetaphosphate.

The co-evolution of peptide formation and membrane self-assembly is considered an essential step in the origin of life. However, more research is required on both processes, particularly on the interaction between prebiotic simple fatty-acid membranes and peptide synthesis. In this study, the sodium trimetaphosphate (P m)-activated peptide formation reaction of phenylalanine (Phe) in an alkaline decanoic acid-decanol vesicle system was systematically investigated.

Prebiotic Formation of Catalytically Active Dipeptides via Trimetaphosphate Activation.

Short peptides with unique catalytic abilities are regarded as the simplest enzymes possessing great potential as primordial species to take part in the chemical origin of life. However, prebiotic acquisition pathways of catalytically active peptides remain unclear. In this study, a microwave reactor was used to simulate hydrothermal environments, such as hydrothermal vents, either submarine or subaerial environments.

Diphenyl Diselenide-Catalyzed Synthesis of Triaryl Phosphites and Triaryl Phosphates from White Phosphorus.

Industrially important triaryl phosphites, traditionally prepared from PCl, have been synthesized by a diphenyl diselenide-catalyzed one-step procedure involving white phosphorus and phenols, which provides a halogen- and transition metal-free way to these compounds. Subsequent oxidation of triaryl phosphites produces triaryl phosphates and triaryl thiophosphates. Phosphorotrithioates are also prepared efficiently from aromatic thiols and aliphatic thiols.