Formation and Stability of the Propionitrile:Acetylene Co-Crystal Under Titan-Relevant Conditions.

ABSTRACT: Propionitrile (also known as ethyl cyanide, CH₃CH₂CN) and acetylene (C₂H₂) are two organic molecules that have been detected in Titan's atmosphere. Over time, they may interact with each other as they are transported to Titan's surface. We sought to determine if any reactions or associations such as co-crystal formation might occur between the two molecules. Using micro-Raman spectroscopy, we characterized band shifts, new bands, and morphological changes, which are characteristic of co-crystal formation. We found that the propionitrile:acetylene co-crystal forms within minutes at 90 K and is stable from 90 to 160 K. A cryogenic powder X-ray diffraction study confirms co-crystal formation at 90 K and indexes to a monoclinic unit cell, P2

SUBMITTER: Czaplinski EC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11849028 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature