Super-reactive molecule could solve space sugar mystery

By Katrina Krämer2018-09-11T14:30:00

Nebula and stars in outer space. Elements of this image furnished by NASA.

Source: © Shutterstock

How did carbohydrates form in space and on early Earth? The clue might be in the carbene

A highly reactive molecule might solve the puzzle of how sugars formed in interstellar space and on prebiotic Earth. Even under space-like conditions – without water and at ultralow temperatures – the carbene compound reacts to form simple sugars, researchers have discovered.