Quantum chemistry explains the photorelaxation of a plausible precorsor of pyrimidine nucleotides

What is it about?

2-aminooxazole was proposed to be a crucial intermediate in the prebiotically plausible synthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides. Since, UV-irradiation was an important element of this reaction sequence, we discuss the radiationless deactivation mechanisms of this compound. In particular, we show that ring-puckering and N--H bond stretching molecular motions may effectively dissipate the excess energy gained after UV-excitation.

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Why is it important?

UV-irradiation was suggested to be an important selection factor in the early stages of abiogenesis. We emphasize that while discussing the origins of RNA nucleotides one should not only focus on the photostability of nucleobases. Understanding the UV-resistance of the most plausible intermediates leading to nucleotides may allow to validate the proposed reaction pathways.