Open AccessNCCN in TMC‐1 and IRC+10216
Author(s) -
Petrie S.,
Millar T. J.,
Markwick A. J.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
monthly notices of the royal astronomical society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.058
H-Index - 383
eISSN - 1365-2966
pISSN - 0035-8711
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-8711.2003.06436.x
Subject(s) - physics , kinetic energy , astrochemistry , infrared , dipole , astrophysics , astronomy , interstellar medium , atomic physics , astrobiology , quantum mechanics , galaxy
We employ quantum chemical calculations using the CBS‐RAD (‘Complete Basis Set – Radicals’) technique on the C 2 N 2 H potential energy surface to show that the reaction of HNC with CN is a viable and plausible route to NCCN in cold astrophysical environments. We use detailed chemical kinetic models to predict the abundance of NCCN in TMC‐1 and IRC+10216. Radio‐astronomical detection of NCCN is precluded by its lack of a dipole moment. We discuss other prospects for its observation in interstellar and circumstellar environments, by space‐borne infrared spectroscopy, indirectly by detection of the NCCNH + ion, or inferentially by detection of its higher‐energy, polar isomer CNCN.