oa Formation of Carbonyl Sulfide by Reactions of Co2 and H2S in Aqueous Solution- Implications for Prebiotic Synthesis

The unique chemical conditions at deep sea hydrothermal vents allow the abiotic formation of various organic sulfur compounds including thiols and sulfides. These compounds were suggested to play a key role in prebiotic synthesis (early life) of organic compounds at the deep sea. Particular interest is devoted to the formation of carbonyl sulfide (COS) which was suggested to play a role in the formation of thioesters which in turn are considered as intermediates in the formation in peptide bonds. Although the presence of COS was not established in previous studies which focused on abiotic synthesis at hydrothermal conditions, it was postulated to occur, by the reaction of CO2 and H2S and act as a precursor for the formation of CS2 which was previously identified.

In this study we examine the formation of COS by the reaction of CO2 and H2S at conditions naturally occurring in hydrothermal systems with an aim of providing a pathway for COS formation at hydrothermal conditions and its effect on organic sulfur compounds formation.