This 'Super Alcohol' Was So Far Only Found In Space. Now Scientists Have Brought It To Earth
Scientists have synthesised Methanetetrol, a 'super alcohol' found only in space, by recreating cosmic conditions, opening new doors in understanding space chemistry
For the first time, scientists have successfully synthesised a unique alcohol known as Methanetetrol (C(OH)₄) in the laboratory. This molecule, which until now existed only in theory and space, is a 'super alcohol' made up of four hydroxyl groups (OH) attached to a single carbon atom.
What Is Methanetetrol?
Methanetetrol is a highly unstable molecule and cannot be used in cocktails or any practical applications on Earth because it breaks down immediately when exposed to light.
Scientists had predicted its existence over 100 years ago, but it had never been observed until now.
An international scientific team recreated space-like conditions by freezing carbon dioxide and water at extremely low temperatures, then exposing them to high-energy radiation similar to that emitted by supernovae and stars in the galaxy. This reaction led to the formation of Methanetetrol.
The scientists noted in their study that this discovery reveals the unique and unexpected chemistry occurring in interstellar clouds, the icy dust between stars, which needs to be taken seriously in further research.
Challenges Of Detecting Methanetetrol
Methanetetrol cannot be seen naturally on Earth because it breaks down immediately under light through a process called dissociative photoionisation.
In the lab, scientists could only capture the molecule for a few moments. Detecting it in deep space using telescopes will be very challenging due to its instability.
The Vast Unknown Of Space Chemistry
The same team had previously discovered another 'impossible' molecule called Methanetriol. Scientists estimate that we have only uncovered about 1% of the chemistry that occurs in space. Ralph Kaiser, a scientist at the University of Hawaii in United States, said, 'This research gives a new direction to our understanding of the chemistry of space."
This pioneering study has been published in the journal Nature Communications.
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