Open AccessReactions depending on iron sulfide and linking geochemistry with biochemistry.
Author(s) -
E. Blöchl,
Martin Keller,
Günter Wächtershäuser,
Karl O. Stetter
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.89.17.8117
Subject(s) - chemistry , sulfide , aqueous solution , iron sulfide , inorganic chemistry , organic geochemistry , environmental chemistry , biochemistry , organic chemistry , sulfur , geology , paleontology , structural basin , source rock
Iron sulfide gives rise to unusual reducing reactions: some dependent on FeS/H2S synergism [NO-3 --> NH3; HC(three bonds)CH--> H2C=CH2, H3C-CH3; -CH2-CO- --> -CH=CH-, -CH2-CH2-; HS-CH2-COOH --> CH3-COOH; others dependent on FeS alone [HS-CH2-CH2-X --> CH2=CH2 (where X = OH, SH, or NH2)]. The experimental conditions are geochemically plausible: 100 degrees C, aqueous, nearly neutral, and fastidiously anaerobic. These reactions establish additional facts of soil chemistry, organic geochemistry, and the global nitrogen cycle. Further, they point to the common evolutionary denominator of geochemistry and biochemistry.