Photodissociation of methyl formate in circumstellar environment: stability under soft X-rays

• Published in: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Vol. 417; no. 4; pp. 2631 - 2641
• Main Authors: Fantuzzi, F., Pilling, S., Santos, A. C. F., Baptista, L., Rocha, A. B., Boechat-Roberty, H. M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.11.2011; Wiley-Blackwell; Oxford University Press
• Subjects: Acids; astrochemistry; Astronomy; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; ISM: molecules; methods: laboratory; molecular data; Molecules; X-ray astronomy; X-rays: stars; methods: laboratory; X-rays: stars; molecular data; ISM: molecules; astrochemistry; Photoelectron; Soft X radiation; Theoretical study; Abundance; Photodissociation; Experimental study; Isomers; Calculation methods; Photoionization; Resonance; Interstellar clouds; Acetic acid; Cross sections; Mass spectra

The methyl formate molecule (HCOOCH3) is one of the most abundant molecules observed in hot molecular cores. Together with acetic acid and the sugar glycolaldehyde, these C2H4O2 molecules are the first triad of isomers detected in interstellar clouds. However, the observations point to a high enhanc...