Biochemical life can subsist on solvents other than water
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 82/100
Multiple astrobiological and chemical studies support the possibility of alternative biochemistry, demonstrating that various non-water solvents (such as concentrated sulfuric acid and ionic liquids) can stably dissolve essential biomolecules like amino acids and nucleic acid bases.
Evidence for · 5
Stability of 20 Biogenic Amino Acids in Concentrated Sulfuric Acid: Implications for the Habitability of Venus' Clouds.
2024 · cited by 14
Demonstrates that biogenic amino acid backbones remain intact in concentrated sulfuric acid, broadening potential solvent compatibility.
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More for · 4
Alternative Solvents for Life: Framework for Evaluation, Current Status, and Future Research
2024 · cited by 10
Reviews alternative solvents like concentrated sulfuric acid and liquid CO2, establishing theoretical frameworks for non-water based life.
Solvent constraints for biopolymer folding and evolution in extraterrestrial environments.
2024 · cited by 4
Shows through molecular modeling that numerous alternative solvents are compatible with biopolymer folding and evolution.
Stability and Reactivity of Alternative Nucleobases in Concentrated Sulfuric Acid.
2026 · cited by 2
Identifies alternative nucleobases that remain stable in concentrated sulfuric acid, supporting the possibility of genetic polymers in unusual solvents.
Warm, water-depleted rocky exoplanets with surface ionic liquids: A proposed class for planetary habitability.
2025 · cited by 1
Proposes that ionic liquids can act as persistent, stable solvents for biomolecules on warm, water-depleted planets.