The matrix-isolated infrared spectrum
of a hydrogen cyanide–methyl
chloride complex was investigated in a solid argon matrix. HCN and
CH3Cl were co-condensed onto a substrate held at 10 K with
an excess of argon gas, and the infrared spectrum was measured using
Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Quantum chemical geometry
optimization, harmonic frequency, and natural bonding orbital calculations
indicate stabilized hydrogen- and halogen-bonded structures. The two
resulting weakly bound complexes are both composed of one CH3Cl molecule bound to a (HCN)3 subunit, where the three
HCN molecules are bound head-to-tail in a ring formation. Our study
suggests thatin the presence of CH3Clthe
formation of (HCN)3 is promoted through complexation. Since
HCN aggregates are an important precursor to prebiotic monomers (amino
acids and nucleobases) and other life-bearing polymers, this study
has astrophysical implications toward the search for life in space.
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