One-Pot Synthesis (IMAGE) Tokyo Institute of Technology Caption Starting from hydrogen cyanide, the one-pot synthesis of cyanamide and precursors to simple sugars in water -- using gamma rays in the presence of ammonium and chloride salts -- offers a way forward for engineering complex mixtures that can evolve important, potentially prebiological compounds. Credit <i>Chemistry Select</i> Usage Restrictions Image may only be used with appropriate caption and credit. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.