A model system for studying the role of phosphoryl group in energy transfer system

The discovery of alkyl phosphonic acids in the Murchison meteorite suggests the possibility of delivery of these water soluble, phosphorus containing molecules by meteorites to the early Earth. Phosphonic acids may have been precursors to the first nucleic acids [1]. We propose the model of energy transfer system as the following steps: (1) alkyl hydrocarbon absorbed far UV energy. (2) R-P=O group accepted energy from excited alkanes. (3) The P-C bond in phosphonate may be broken to form phosphate and corresponding acid in the presence of oxygen.