The cyclization of arabinosyladenine-5′-phosphorimidazolide

Summary

When arabinosyladenine-5′-phosphorimidazolide is allowed to decompose in aqueous solution at room temperature and pH 7.2, depending on the buffer, 5–24% is converted to the 2′,5′-cyclic phosphate (V). Although the extent of cyclization is much greater than for adenosine-5′-phosphorimidazolide, cyclization is less efficient than hydrolysis and so would not substantially decrease the efficiency of condensation reactions in aqueous solution. The significance of this result for prebiotic chemistry is discussed.