Formation of the Methyl Cation by Photochemistry in a Protoplanetary Disk

Abstract

Forty years ago, it was proposed that gas-phase organic chemistry in the interstellar medium can be initiated by the methyl cation CH₃⁺, but so far it has not been observed outside the Solar System. Alternative routes involving processes on grain surfaces have been invoked. Here we report James Webb Space Telescope observations of CH₃⁺ in a protoplanetary disk in the Orion star-forming region. We find that gas-phase organic chemistry is activated by ultraviolet irradiation.

Marie-Aline Martin-Drumel

Researcher

My research interests focus on molecular spectroscopy of stable molecules and reactive species, and its applications for astrophysics and physical-chemistry.