Complex Interstellar Molecules: Their Synthesis and Utility as Probes of Star Formation

受最近观测结果的启发，该研究项目将通过计算研究星际复杂有机分子（COM）的形成。 这项研究的结果将使天文学家能够了解COMs是如何在星际云中形成的，以及在星际空间极端条件下形成的分子复杂性水平。 该项目将对研究生和本科生进行计算天体化学研究先进技术方面的培训，并将包括推广活动，以提高天体化学在更广泛的科学界和公众中的知名度，研究小组将调查一系列新的气相和固相化学过程，并提出速率和理论公式，供纳入大规模天体化学网络。研究的形成机制将能够对星际云和恒星形成区域中分子的高角分辨率研究进行定量解释，从而可以通过统一，全面的模型来测试COM形成的竞争思想。 该项目的成果还将使大量公共投资建成的天文设施得到有效利用。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

Motivated by recent observational findings, this research project will investigate computationally the formation of interstellar complex organic molecules (COMs). Results from the study will allow astronomers to understand how COMs are formed in interstellar clouds and the level of molecular complexity that builds under the extreme conditions of interstellar space. The project will train graduate and undergraduate students in advanced techniques of computational astrochemical research, and it will include outreach activities to enhance the visibility of astrochemistry in the broader scientific community and the public.The research team will investigate a range of new gas-phase and solid-phase chemical processes and generate rates and theoretical formulations for incorporation into large-scale astrochemical networks. The formation mechanisms investigated will enable quantitative interpretation of high angular resolution studies of molecules in interstellar clouds and star-forming regions, allowing competing ideas on the formation of COMs to be tested by means of unified, comprehensive models. Results from the project would also enable effective exploitation of astronomical facilities built with significant public investment.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.