http://arxiv.org/abs/1712.03256
We report the detection of interstellar methoxymethanol (CH$3$OCH$_2$OH) in ALMA Bands 6 and 7 toward the MM1 core in the high-mass star-forming region NGC 6334I at ~0.1″ – 1″ spatial resolution. A column density of 4(2) x $10^{18}$ cm$^{-2}$ at $T{ex}$ = 200 K is derived toward MM1, ~34 times less abundant than methanol (CH$_3$OH), and significantly higher than predicted by astrochemical models. Probable formation and destruction pathways are discussed, primarily through the reaction of the CH$_3$OH photodissociation products, the methoxy (CH$_3$O) and hydroxymethyl (CH$_2$OH) radicals. Finally, we comment on the implications of these mechanisms on gas-phase vs grain-surface routes operative in the region, and the possibility of electron-induced dissociation of CH$_3$OH rather than photodissociation.
B. McGuire, C. Shingledecker, E. Willis, et. al.
Tue, 12 Dec 17
47/78
Comments: Accepted in Astrophysical Journal Letters