Low-lying Dipole Resonances in FeCN⁻: A Viable Formation Pathway for FeCN⁻ in Space

Abstract

A low-lying resonance in FeCN− anion was identified through abrupt changes in the spectral dependence of the photoelectron angular distribution. Non-Franck–Condon transitions from the resonance to the neutral FeCN (4Δ), and the corresponding photoelectron angular distributions revealed that the resonance is a dipole scattering state. Significant thermionic electron emission was observed in the resonant photoelectron spectra, indicating a strong coupling of the resonance with the ground state of this triatomic anion and its competition over autodetachment. This low-lying resonance is identified to be an efficient pathway for the formation of FeCN− anion in the outer envelope of IRC+10216. The results in general reveal formation pathways in space for anions with low-lying resonances and large permanent dipole moment.

Molecular growth of PANH via intermolecular Coulombic decay

“…Background spectra (without quinoline) were obtained at various intensities and no background contribution was observed. The electron kinetic energy and angular distribution measurements were performed using a velocity map imaging (VMI) spectrometer ( 37 ). Photoelectron spectroscopy of anions with known electron affinity was performed to calibrate the VMI.…”

Metallofullerenes as potential candidates for the explanation of astrophysical phenomena

“…Interestingly, metal-containing organic molecules (with metals such as Mg, Na, Al, K, Fe, and Ca) have been detected in the circumstellar environments of evolved stars, where C 60 has also been confirmed to exist. [11][12][13] Undeniable examples of these metal-organic molecules include MgNC, NaCN, CaNC, etc., implying that organic species and metals can coexist in the circumstellar environment and form more complex metalorganic species. 2,14,15 In addition, the circumstellar medium of evolved stars is rich in terms of metal abundances, 16,17 making it plausible that in a medium which is rich in both fullerenes and metals, metallofullerenes can also form and exist.…”

“…Interestingly, metal-containing organic molecules (with metals such as Mg, Na, Al, K, Fe, and Ca) have been detected in the circumstellar environments of evolved stars, where C 60 has also been confirmed to exist. 11–13 Undeniable examples of these metal–organic molecules include MgNC, NaCN, CaNC, etc. , implying that organic species and metals can coexist in the circumstellar environment and form more complex metal–organic species.…”