Understanding the $\rm C_3H_2$ cyclic-to-linear ratio in L1544 [GA]

http://arxiv.org/abs/1605.07379


Aims. We aim to understand the high cyclic-to-linear $\rm C_3H_2$ ratio ($32 \pm 4$) observed toward L1544 by Spezzano et al. (2016). Methods. We combine a gas-grain chemical model with a physical model for L1544 to simulate the column densities of cyclic and linear $\rm C_3H_2$ observed toward L1544. The most important reactions for the formation and destruction of both forms of $\rm C_3H_2$ are identified, and their relative rate coefficients are varied to find the best match to the observations. Results. We find that the ratio of the rate coefficients of $\rm C_3H_3^+ + e^- \longrightarrow C_3H_2 + H$ for cyclic and linear $\rm C_3H_2$ must be $\sim 20$ in order to reproduce the observations, depending on the branching ratios assumed for the $\rm C_3H_3^+ + e^- \longrightarrow C_3H + H_2$ reaction. In current astrochemical networks it is assumed that cyclic and linear $\rm C_3H_2$ are formed in a 1:1 ratio in the aforementioned reactions. Laboratory studies and/or theoretical calculations are needed to confirm the results of our chemical modeling based on observational constraints.

Read this paper on arXiv…

O. Sipila, S. Spezzano and P. Caselli
Wed, 25 May 16
46/62

Comments: 5 pages, 2 figures; accepted as an A&A Letter