KETENE FORMATION IN INTERSTELLAR ICES: A LABORATORY STUDY

Reggie L. Hudson, Mark J. Loeffler
2013 Astrophysical Journal  
The formation of ketene (H 2 CCO, ethenone) in polar and apolar ices was studied with in situ 0.8 MeV proton irradiation, far-UV photolysis, and infrared spectroscopic analyses at 10-20 K. Using isotopically enriched reagents, unequivocal evidence was obtained for ketene synthesis in H 2 O-rich and CO 2 -rich ices, and several reaction products were identified. Results from scavenging experiments suggested that ketene was formed by free-radical pathways, as opposed to acid-base processes or
more » ... x reactions. Finally, we use our results to draw conclusions about the formation and stability of ketene in the interstellar medium.
doi:10.1088/0004-637x/773/2/109 fatcat:nw5d5k7fcbdazjl3qaxao3xhki