Toward higher polyprenols under 'prebiotic' conditions

Geraniol and isomers (C-10) can be obtained by the condensation of C-5 monoprenols at room temperature in the presence of montmorillonite K-10. It is also possible to obtain farnesol (C-15) and isomers by condensation of geraniol with isopentenol. Despite the low yields achieved, these findings support the hypothesis that polyprenyl phosphates may have been formed in prebiotic conditions, and served as constituents of primitive membranes. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.