Reactions among minerals and organic compounds in
hydrothermal environments are critical components of the Earth’s deep carbon
cycle. They provide energy for the deep biosphere, and may have implications
for the origins of life. However, very little is known about how minerals
influence organic reactions. A team of researchers from Arizona State
University have demonstrated how a common mineral acts as a catalyst for
specific hydrothermal organic reactions – negating the need for toxic solvents or
expensive reagents.