Synthesis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in He nanodroplets

Abstract

Here we report the first mass spectrometric study of the synthesis of larger polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules (PAHs) out of weakly bound triphenylene agglomerates in cold helium droplets upon electron ionization. A highly abundant single reaction product is observed which indicates an extremely efficient and selective process. We propose that the synthesis of large molecules like fullerenes in interstellar clouds may proceed via similar reactions. Future work on different PAHs like benz[a]anthracene or chrysene will give more insight into this fascinating synthesis process.