The role of isomers in ion-molecule reactions: Reactions of HOC+ and C3H2+ with H2

• Applicant: Dr. Philipp Schmid
• Subject Area: Astrophysics and Astronomy
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 514067452

Astronomical observations of the interstellar medium show a rich chemical environment where even complex molecules like Benzene or Benzonitrile seem to be formed. The formation of such molecules and the driving of the underlying chemical networks require chemical reactions in the gas-phase, among others. Ion-molecule reactions are known to occur in cold environments and are thus relevant for molecule formation in the interstellar medium. But to describe the formation pathways and thus the chemical network in the interstellar medium correctly, a fundamental understanding of the details of such reactions is required. It is the goal of this proposal to enhance the knowledge of reaction kinetics of ion-molecule reactions relevant to the interstellar medium. Thereby, a recently developed experimental technique on ion spectroscopy can be used as a tool for reactant isomer preparation as well as direct product isomer read-out, thus enabling ion-molecule reactions with isomer pure samples and analysis of product isomers. Initially, this proposal aims to further establish the preparation of ionic samples within a single molecular structure. This will be used afterwards to probe their role on the outcome in reactions relevant to the chemistry in the interstellar medium. Thus the connection of molecular isomerism on a chemical reaction in the gas-phase can be probed. In the end, this will form the basis for future studies where both, the charged and neutral reactant in ion-molecule reactions are prepared within a single isomer sample.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants