Is interstellar detection of higher members of the linear radicals CnCH and CnN feasible
- Molecular Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA (USA) Paris Observatoire (France) IBM Almaden Research Center, San Jose, CA (USA)
Rotational constants and dipole moments for linear-chain radicals CnCH and CnN are estimated using a combinatiaon of ab initio molecular orbital calculations and observed data on the starting members of the series. CnCH with n = 0-5 have been observed by radioastronomy in carbon-rich interstellar clouds; higher members of the series have 2Pi ground states with large dipole moments and are strong candidates for observation. CN and C3N have also been observed by radioastronomy; higher members of the series, with the possible exception of C5N, have 2Pi ground states with near-zero dipole moments making their interstellar detection hopeless under present observational conditions. C5N can be a strong candidate only if it has a 2Sigma ground state, and best computations so far indicate that this is not the case. 20 refs.
- OSTI ID:
- 5867605
- Journal Information:
- Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Vol. 369; ISSN 0004-637X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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