Scientists have successfully created metanetetrol (c(OH)4), a highly unstable molecule theorized for over a century, by simulating extreme conditions found in interstellar clouds. This unique "super alcohol" consists of four hydroxyl groups attached to a single carbon atom. Researchers from an international team froze carbon dioxide and water to ultra-low temperatures in a vacuum, then bombarded the ice with high-energy radiation to replicate cosmic rays, triggering a chemical reaction that produced metanetetrol.
The discovery is significant as it reveals that interstellar environments host complex chemistry not previously acknowledged. This work could reshape understanding of molecular formation in deep space and might have implications for studying potential life forms beyond Earth. Metanetetrol’s instability makes it challenging to detect, as it rapidly disintegrates under light exposure.
The research emphasizes the possibility of discovering other "impossible" molecules in space, indicating that the chemistry of the universe might differ significantly from what is known on Earth. With advances in scientific technology, researchers aim to uncover more about the chemical landscape of space, having previously identified other unusual molecules. The findings are published in Nature Communications, contributing to a growing body of evidence that expands the boundaries of our understanding of cosmic chemistry.
