arXiv · 1312.0153
An observational investigation of the identity of B11244 ($l$-C$_3$H$^+$/C$_3$H$^-$)
Abstract
Pety et al. (2012) have reported the detection of eight transitions of a closed-shell, linear molecule (B11244) in observations toward the Horsehead PDR, which they attribute to the $l$-C$_3$H$^+$ cation. Recent high-level \textit{ab initio} calculations have called this assignment into question; the anionic C$_3$H$^-$ molecule has been suggested as a more likely candidate. Here, we examine observations of the Horsehead PDR, Sgr B2(N), TMC-1, and IRC+10216 in the context of both $l$-C$_3$H$^+$ and C$_3$H$^-$. We find no observational evidence of $K_a = 1$ lines which should be present were the carrier indeed C$_3$H$^-$. Additionally, we find a strong anti-correlation between the presence of known molecular anions and B11244 in these regions. Finally, we discuss the formation and destruction chemistry of C$_3$H$^-$ in the context of the physical conditions in the regions. Based on these results, we conclude there is little evidence to support the carrier is C$_3$H$^-$.
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Brett A. McGuire, P. Brandon Carroll, Pierre Gratier, Viviana Guzmán, Jerome Pety, Evelyne Roueff, Maryvonne Gerin, Geoffrey A. Blake, Anthony J. Remijan. 2013-11-30. An observational investigation of the identity of B11244 ($l$-C$_3$H$^+$/C$_3$H$^-$). https://doi.org/10.1088/0004-637x/783/1/36
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