Precursors of the RNA World in Space: Detection of (Z)-1,2-ethenediol in the Interstellar Medium, a Key Intermediate in Sugar Formation

Abstract We present the first detection of ( Z )-1,2-ethenediol, (CHOH) 2 , enol form glycolaldehyde, in interstellar medium toward G+0.693?0.027 molecular cloud located Galactic Center. have derived a column density (1.8 ± 0.1) × 10 13 cm ?2 which translates into abundance with respect to hydrogen 1.3 ?10 . The ratio between glycolaldehyde and )-1,2-ethenediol is ?5.2. discuss several viable formation routes through chemical reactions from precursors such as HCO, H CO, CHOH, or CH CHOH. also propose that this species might be an important precursor glyceraldehyde (HOCH CHOHCHO) combination hydroxymethylene radical.