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Updated: Jun 6, 2026

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Published on: April 10, 2020
Laboratory detection of protonated SO2 in two isomeric forms
Valerio Lattanzi1, Patrick Thaddeus, Michael C McCarthy
1Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA. vlattanzi@cfa.harvard.edu
Researchers detected protonated sulfur dioxide (HOSO+) in two forms using microwave spectroscopy. This abundant molecule is a strong candidate for radioastronomical detection in space.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Physics
- Astrochemistry
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) is a widespread and abundant astronomical species.
- Protonated species are important in interstellar chemistry.
- Understanding molecular structures is key to identifying them in space.
Purpose of the Study:
- To spectroscopically identify and characterize protonated sulfur dioxide (HOSO+) in distinct isomeric forms.
- To provide data for radioastronomical detection of HOSO+.
Main Methods:
- Fabry-Pérot Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy was employed.
- Theoretical calculations at the CCSD(T)/cc-pwCVQZ level determined structures and energies.
- Rotational transitions were assigned and analyzed.
Main Results:
- The rotational spectra of two isomers of protonated sulfur dioxide (cis- and trans-HOSO+) were observed.
- Seven spectral lines, including a- and b-type transitions, were assigned for both isomers.
- Precise rotational constants were derived for both cis- and trans-HOSO+.
Conclusions:
- Protonated sulfur dioxide exists in at least two isomeric forms.
- HOSO+ is a viable candidate for radioastronomical detection due to its abundance and spectral characteristics.
- The derived rotational constants will aid in future astronomical observations.
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