Spectroscopy and reactivity of astrochemical cations: HNCO+, HCNO+, and HNCS+

• Applicant: Marius Gerlach
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Molecules, Liquids and Interfaces, Biophysical Chemistry
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 538828748

In this project, I want to record the Infrared- and microwave spectra of the cations HNCO+, HNCS+ and HCNO+. The neutral versions of these molecules have already been detected in interstellar space and are of particular interest since they are composed of the basic elements for organic life. Information of the positively charged molecules is however severely limited and the same is true for the fragment ions NCO+, CNO+ and NCS+. Infrared spectroscopy in the context of astrochemistry gained a general interest due to the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope. The James Webb Space Telescope is the highest resolving telescope in the infrared range and, among other things, aims to uncover the creation of organic life. The interpretation of the measured spectra relies on spectroscopy laboratory experiments. Additionally, the molecules HCNO+ and HNCS+ are of fundamental spectroscopic interest, since they are exhibit a Renner-Teller distortion, which strongly influences their vibrational structure. Radio astronomy, i.e. the detection of microwave radiation in interstellar space, plays a central role in the detection of molecules since the 70s. Again, the interpretation of these measurements relies on reference data measured in laboratories. So far, over 240 molecules could be detected in the interstellar medium. It is possible, that the cations of this proposal are also present. Measuring their microwave spectra should enable to look for these molecules.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: Netherlands
• Host: Professorin Sandra Brünken, Ph.D.