Ghost molecule: scientists stabilise carbene in water for the first time in 67 years

In 1958, American chemist Ronald Breslow suggested that vitamin B1 (thiamine) could be converted into an unstable and extremely active molecule - carbene - right in the cells of the body. But it was impossible to test this at the time: carbenes disappear in a fraction of a second, especially in water. It was thought that seeing a stable carbene in water was like catching a rainbow in a jar.

After 67 years, scientists at the University of California have managed the impossible: they have stabilised carbene in water and preserved it for months. Yes, yes, they not only created it, but literally sealed it in a test tube to study it in detail.

Details: Varun Tej Raviprolu et al, Confirmation of Breslow's hypothesis: A carbene stable in liquid water, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adr9681

🧠 What is a carbene and why is it needed?

A carbene is a carbon with six valence electrons instead of the usual eight. This makes it very unstable, yet incredibly useful for chemical reactions, especially in the production of drugs and materials. But it is precisely because of its instability that it is rarely used in water - and it is water that is the basis of all biochemical processes in the body.

🛡 How was it made?

The team, led by chemistry professor Vincent Lavallo, took a clever route: they created a special "armour" - a molecular protection that wraps the carbene and prevents water from destroying it. The result was astonishing: the carbene survived, remained active and is analysable by NMR spectroscopy and X-rays.

"People thought it was crazy. But now we can say: Breslow was right," says Lavallo.

🌍 What's it all for?

A discovery isn't just a tick in scientific history. It can change the rules of the game in chemistry:

• ✅ Green chemistry: many complex reactions will now be possible in water instead of toxic solvents.

• ✅ Medicine: new stable carbenes can be used in pharmaceuticals, making drug production safer and cheaper.

• ✅ Biomimicry: scientists will have the chance to reproduce chemical processes that occur inside living cells.

"What was thought impossible is becoming a reality. It's inspiring to keep looking, keep trying, keep believing in science," says study co-author Varun Raviprolu.