Spectral-line Survey of the Region of Massive Star Formation W51e1/e2 in the 4 mm Wavelength Range

Abstract

We present the results of a spectral-line survey of the W51e1/e2 star-forming region at 68–88 GHz. 79 molecules and their isotopologues were detected, from simple diatomic or triatomic molecules, such as SO, SiO, and CCH, to complex organic compounds, such as CH3OCH3 or CH3COCH3. A number of lines that are absent from the Lovas list of molecular lines observed in space were detected, and most of these were identified. A significant number of the detected molecules are typical for hot cores. These include the neutral molecules HCOOCH3, CH3CH2OH, and CH3COCH3, which are currently believed to exist in the gas phase only in hot cores and shock-heated gas. In addition, vibrationally excited C4H and HC3N lines with upper-level energies of several hundred Kelvins were found. Such lines can arise only in hot gas with temperatures on the order of 100 K or higher. Apart from neutral molecules, various molecular ions were also detected. Some of these (HC18O+, H13CO+, and HCS+) usually exist in molecular clouds with high visual extinctions. Potential formation pathways of complex organic molecules and hydrocarbons, along with nitriles, are considered. These formation routes are first discussed in the context of laboratory experiments elucidating the synthesis of organic molecules in interstellar ices in cold molecular clouds, followed by sublimation into the gas phase in the hot core stage. Thereafter, we discuss the predominant formation of hydrocarbons and their nitriles in the gas phase through bimolecular neutral–neutral reactions.