In a groundbreaking study, chemists have confirmed a decades-old hypothesis about vitamin B1, demonstrating the existence of a stable carbene in water—a feat once deemed impossible.
Key Points at a Glance
- Researchers at UC Riverside have stabilized a reactive carbene molecule in water.
- This confirms Ronald Breslow’s 1958 hypothesis about vitamin B1’s role in biochemical reactions.
- The discovery could lead to greener pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
- Stabilized carbenes in water may help mimic natural cellular chemistry.
In 1958, chemist Ronald Breslow proposed that vitamin B1 (thiamine) could form a carbene—a highly reactive molecule with only six valence electrons—to facilitate essential biochemical reactions in the body. However, due to the inherent instability of carbenes, especially in aqueous environments, this theory remained unproven for decades.
Now, a team of chemists at the University of California, Riverside, led by Professor Vincent Lavallo, has successfully stabilized a carbene in water, providing concrete evidence supporting Breslow’s hypothesis. By synthesizing a protective molecular “suit of armor,” the researchers shielded the reactive center of the carbene, allowing it to remain intact in water for months. This breakthrough was documented in a recent publication in Science Advances.
The implications of this discovery extend beyond confirming a long-standing biochemical theory. Carbenes are often used as ligands in metal-based catalysts, which are crucial in producing pharmaceuticals, fuels, and other materials. Traditionally, these processes rely on toxic organic solvents. The ability to stabilize carbenes in water opens the door to cleaner, more environmentally friendly chemical reactions.
“Water is the ideal solvent—it’s abundant, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly,” said Varun Raviprolu, co-author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher at UCLA. “If we can get these powerful catalysts to work in water, that’s a big step toward greener chemistry.”
Furthermore, this advancement brings scientists closer to replicating the natural chemistry that occurs within cells, which are predominantly composed of water. Understanding and harnessing such reactions could lead to significant progress in biochemistry and molecular biology.
For Lavallo, who has dedicated two decades to designing carbenes, this achievement is both professionally and personally significant. “Just 30 years ago, people thought these molecules couldn’t even be made,” he said. “Now we can bottle them in water. What Breslow said all those years ago—he was right.”
This discovery not only validates a historical scientific theory but also paves the way for advancements in sustainable chemistry and a deeper understanding of biological processes.
