Selected-ion flow tube studies of reactions of C 2N + ions derived from cyanogen by electron ionization

Abstract

The chemistry of C 2N + has been explored in a selected-ion flow tube (SIFT) apparatus in which C 2N + was derived by electron impact from cyanogen. Two forms of C 2N + were identified which have distinctly different chemical reactivities. One form appears to be the CCN + isomer, which reacts selectively with H 2, D 2, CO 2, Xe, and O 2. The less reactive form is thought to be the CNC + isomer. Reactions of both forms are also investigated with N 2, CO, HCN, C 2N 2, N 2O, H 2O, D 2O, CH 4, CH 3CN, C 2H 2, OCS, CH 3OH, C 2H 4, H 2S, NH 3, CS 2, and NO. Rate constants and product distributions are reported at 296 ± 2 K. The results exhibit a wide range in reactivity and chemistry. They provide new insight into the reactions of C 2N + in interstellar gas clouds and additional evidence for the formation of the CNC + isomer in the important interstellar reaction of C + with HCN.