11-17-2018, 02:15 AM
One possible energy-yielding reaction in a reducing atmosphere might be the hydrogenation of multiply-bonded molecules - ideally, all the way to methane. For example, although I haven't done the maths I feel this reaction would be exothermic:
C2H2 + 3H2 = 2CH4
(a triply-bonded compound being fully hydrogenated)
This reaction goes very slowly indeed without catalysis, but enzymes do more difficult things than this.
C2H2 + 3H2 = 2CH4
(a triply-bonded compound being fully hydrogenated)
This reaction goes very slowly indeed without catalysis, but enzymes do more difficult things than this.