Synthesis of α-amino and α-hydroxy acids under volcanic conditions: implications for the origin of life

Facile synthesis of α-hydroxy and α-amino acids is observed at temperatures from 145 to 280 °C with catalytic Ni2+, with cyano ligands as source for C and N, and with CO as a reductant and as a source for C. Implications for the problem of the origin of life are discussed.