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

• Published in: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Vol. 248; no. 2; pp. 272 - 275
• Main Authors: Petrie, S., Freeman, C. G., McEwan, M. J., Ferguson, E. E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Oxford University Press 15-01-1991; Blackwell Science
• 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; Molecular process; Production rate; Hydrogen Cyanides; Chemical reaction; Theoretical study; Data table; Interstellar molecule
• ISSN: 0035-8711; 1365-2966
• DOI: 10.1093/mnras/248.2.272

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.