Hemiaminal route for the formation of interstellar glycine: a computational study

Calculations related to two simple two-step paths (path-I: H2C=O+NH3→α−hydroxy amine→+COglycine, path-II: H2C=NH+H2O→α−hydroxy amine→+COglycine) for the formation of glycine have been discussed. Calculations show that at interstellar conditions these two paths are feasible only in hot cores, not in the cold interstellar clouds (cold core formation is possible only if CH₂ = NH, H₂O (excess) and CO of path-II, react in a concerted manner). For the laboratory synthesis of glycine, the possibility suggested is via path-I and the reaction being carried out as controlled temperature one-pot synthesis. This study can also be extended to other α-amino acids and possibly enantiomeric excess can be expected. We think this work will not only be able to enrich our future understanding about the formation of amino acids in interstellar medium but also be able to suggest alternative paths for laboratory synthesis of amino acids using either Strecker’s or Miller’s ingredients. [Figure not available: see fulltext.].