The Claim

Under laboratory conditions of 175°C for 2–3 days in stainless steel vessels, aqueous formic acid or oxalic acid can undergo Fischer-Tropsch-type reactions to produce a range of lipid compounds including n-alkanols, n-alkanoic acids, n-alkenes, n-alkanes, and alkanones with carbon chain lengths from C2 to >C35.

Source: Lipid Synthesis Under Hydrothermal Conditions by Fischer- Tropsch-Type Reactions

What the research says

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Supports
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Challenges
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How it works
1 study reviewed
In plain English

If you heat up formic acid or oxalic acid in a metal container at a high temperature for a couple of days, it can turn into a bunch of oily, waxy, or fatty substances similar to those found in living things.

See the scientific wording

Under laboratory conditions of 175°C for 2–3 days in stainless steel vessels, aqueous formic acid or oxalic acid can undergo Fischer-Tropsch-type reactions to produce a range of lipid compounds including n-alkanols, n-alkanoic acids, n-alkenes, n-alkanes, and alkanones with carbon chain lengths from C2 to >C35.

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Lipid Synthesis Under Hydrothermal Conditions by Fischer- Tropsch-Type Reactions

    Scientists heated formic or oxalic acid in metal pots at 175°C for a few days and got the same complex fatty-like chemicals the claim says should form—so yes, the claim is right.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

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