Physics
Scientific paper
Jun 1976
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1976pht....29f..32h&link_type=abstract
Physics Today, vol. 29, June 1976, p. 32-39.
Physics
1
Astronomical Models, Cosmic Rays, Hydrogen Clouds, Interstellar Matter, Molecules, Abundance, Galactic Structure, Gas-Ion Interactions, Interstellar Gas, Low Temperature Environments, Milky Way Galaxy, Molecular Ions, Molecular Rotation, Nebulae, Radial Distribution
Scientific paper
A quantitative model is discussed for the formation of molecules in the low-temperature low-density conditions that characterize the interstellar medium. The expected lifetimes of molecular species in interstellar clouds are considered, and continuous formation processes are postulated. The chemistry of interstellar hydrogen is reviewed, a purely gas-phase model for the formation of interstellar molecules is outlined, and specific gas-phase reactions are described which determine the chemistry of carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen in interstellar regions. It is proposed that interstellar molecules are synthesized in dense H2 clouds through cosmic-ray-induced ionization of H2 and He followed by a wide variety of ion-molecule reactions that are entirely two-body gas-phase processes. It is tentatively concluded that the O/C abundance ratio pertaining to the gas phase of dense clouds where organic molecules are observed must be smaller than two.
Herbst Eric
Klemperer William
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