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The detection of interstellar methylcyanoacetylene
N W Broten1, J M MacLeod, L W Avery
1Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics, National Research Council of Canada.
The Astrophysical Journal
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Methylcyanoacetylene (CH3C3N), a novel interstellar molecule, was identified in the TMC-1 molecular cloud. This discovery provides new insights into the chemical composition of interstellar environments.
Area of Science:
- Astrochemistry
- Interstellar Medium
- Molecular Spectroscopy
Background:
- The chemical complexity of interstellar clouds is a key area of research.
- Understanding the composition of molecular clouds like TMC-1 is crucial for studying star formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first detection of methylcyanoacetylene (CH3C3N) in the interstellar medium.
- To confirm the identification using observed spectral transitions and laboratory data.
Main Methods:
- Observation of rotational transitions (J = 8 --> 7, J = 7 --> 6, J = 6 --> 5, J = 5 --> 4) of methylcyanoacetylene.
- Comparison of observed frequencies with calculated frequencies based on laboratory constants.
- Analysis of hyperfine splitting and rotational temperature.
Main Results:
- Successful detection of methylcyanoacetylene (CH3C3N) in the molecular cloud TMC-1.
- Observed frequencies closely matched calculated values, confirming the molecule's presence.
- Determination of a low rotational temperature (2.7 K - 4 K) and a column density of approximately 5 x 10^12 cm^-2.
Conclusions:
- The identification of methylcyanoacetylene (CH3C3N) expands the known inventory of interstellar molecules.
- The observed physical conditions (low temperature) provide constraints for astrochemical models.