The Laboratory Study of Interstellar Radicals by Pulsed Beam Fourier Transform Microwave Spectroscopy

本课题由化学系实验物理化学项目资助，Stewart E.卫斯理大学的Novick将使用脉冲束傅里叶变换微波光谱（FTM）来研究自由基。 详细的光谱线的位置和结构将被确定为一些碳基自由基含有炔基，包括C5H3，各种自由基异构体的C4H5，两个异氰化物基团C3N和C5N，以及苯基，C6H5。 振动激发态的弱结合的非自由基复合物以及弱结合的纯碳链在这些放电中产生的复合物也将被检查。 自由基是一种反应性短暂的分子种类，具有高度反应性，难以捉摸，难以产生和研究。 自由基是化学反应中重要的中间体，射电天文学探测到的许多星际分子都是自由基。 因此，这项工作对射电天文学探测的可能候选者有直接影响。 此外，它可能会影响其他领域的自由基的存在是重要的，如在理解燃烧的机制。

In this project supported by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Prof. Stewart E. Novick of Wesleyan University will study free radicals using pulsed-beam Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy (FTM). Detailed spectral line positions and structures will be determined for a number of carbon-based radicals containing acetylenic groups, including C5H3, various radical isomers of C4H5, two isocyanide radicals C3N and C5N, as well as the phenyl radical, C6H5. Vibrationally excited states of weakly bound non-radical complexes as well as weakly bound complexes of pure carbon chains produced in these discharges will also be examined. A free radical is a reactive transient molecular species that is highly reactive, elusive, and difficult to produce and to study. Radicals are important as intermediates in chemical reactions, and many of the interstellar molecules detected by radio astronomy are radicals. This work therefore has a direct impact on likely candidates for radio astronomical detection. In addition, it may impact other fields where the presence of radicals is important, such as in understanding the mechanisms of combustion.