The ion chemistry of HNC+/HCN+ isomers: astrochemical implications

The reactivity of HCN+ and HNC+ has recently been studied in a selected-ion flow tube. In this paper the astrophysical significance of differences in $\text{HCN}^+/\text{HNC}^+$ production and reactivity is discussed. In interstellar clouds, equal amounts of HCN+ and HNC+ are formed in the reaction...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society 1991-01, Vol.248 (2), p.272-275
Main Authors: Petrie, S., Freeman, C. G., McEwan, M. J., Ferguson, E. E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Astronomy
Atomic processes and interactions
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
Fundamental aspects of astrophysics
Fundamental astronomy and astrophysics. Instrumentation, techniques, and astronomical observations
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Summary:The reactivity of HCN+ and HNC+ has recently been studied in a selected-ion flow tube. In this paper the astrophysical significance of differences in $\text{HCN}^+/\text{HNC}^+$ production and reactivity is discussed. In interstellar clouds, equal amounts of HCN+ and HNC+ are formed in the reaction of $\text{CN}^+ + \text{H}_2,$ but HCN+ and HNC+ are both rapidly depleted by reaction with H2 to form HCNH+. Thus the differences in reactivity with species less abundant than H2 are expected to have minimal impact upon models of interstellar chemistry. However, in extraterrestrial environments lacking substantial molecular hydrogen (such as the atmosphere of Titan), differences in reactivity with hydrocarbons may have a significant effect upon the chemistry occurring.
ISSN:0035-8711
1365-2966
DOI:10.1093/mnras/248.2.272