Prebiotic Synthesis of Propiolaldehyde and Nicotinamide

Abstract

We have identified propiololdehyde as a product of the action of an electric discharge on mixtures of methane and water or methane, nitrogen, and water. The aldehyde reacts with cyanoacetaldehyde and ammonia (other "prebiological molecules") to yield nicotinonitrile. This substance can be hydrolyzed to nicotinamide and nicotinic acid.