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Low energy electron attachment to cyanamide (NH2CN)
Katrin Tanzer1, Andrzej Pelc2, Stefan E Huber1
1Institut für Ionenphysik und Angewandte Physik, Leopold Franzens Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
The Journal of Chemical Physics
|January 24, 2015
Summary
Electron attachment to cyanamide (NH2CN) forms various anions, crucial for understanding interstellar chemistry. Results suggest attachment to its isomer, carbodiimide, explains observed energy deviations.
Area of Science:
- Astrochemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Quantum Chemistry
Background:
- Cyanamide (NH2CN) is vital for interstellar chemistry and the origins of life.
- Understanding electron interactions with molecules like cyanamide is key to chemical evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate dissociative electron attachment to cyanamide (NH2CN).
- Identify anionic species formed and their energy dependence.
- Compare experimental findings with theoretical calculations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a crossed electron-molecular beams experiment.
- Studied electron energy range from 0 eV to 14 eV.
- Detected and analyzed negative ions formed.
Main Results:
- Observed anions: NHCN(-), NCN(-), CN(-), NH2(-), NH(-), and CH2(-).
- Anion formation occurred in two energy regions: 0.5–4.5 eV and 4.5–12 eV.
- Explained energy discrepancies for the dehydrogenated anion by electron attachment to carbodiimide.
Conclusions:
- Dissociative electron attachment to NH2CN yields multiple anions.
- Experimental data supports electron attachment to carbodiimide for specific anion formation.
- Provides insights into cyanamide's role in interstellar chemical processes.
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