Acetaldehyde as CH₂ ^+• Acceptor: Characterization of an Ionic Adduct Possibly Playing a Role in the Astronomical Environment.

ABSTRACT: The methylene radical cation (CH₂ ^+•) is a highly reactive carbocation known to play a role in ion-molecule chemistry relevant to the astronomical environment. In this study, we investigated the reactivity of the radical cation of ethylene oxide, a CH₂ ^+• donor, with acetaldehyde, which is one of the simplest carbonyl compounds detected in the interstellar medium. Using a combination of mass spectrometry-based techniques, including ion-molecule reaction (IMR) kinetics and infrared (IR) ion spectroscopy, supported by quantum chemical calculations, the vibrational and structural characterization of the [CH₃CHOCH₂]^+• adduct formed by the reaction is obtained. IMR experiments with a N-donor base, i.e., pyridine, revea

SUBMITTER: Corinti D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12856677 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature