Abstract
We employ quantum chemical calculations using the CBS-RAD ('Complete Basis Set- Radicals') technique on the C2N2H 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.
| Original language | English |
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| Pages (from-to) | 609-616 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society |
| Volume | 341 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 11 May 2003 |