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Detection of MgCn in IRC + 10216: A new metal-bearing free radicalA new metal-containing molecule, MgCN, has been detected toward the late-type star IRC + 10216, using the NRAO 12 m and IRAM 30 m telescopes. The N = 11 approaches 10, 10 approaches 9, and 9 approaches 8 transtions of this species which has a (sup 2)Sigma(sup +) ground state, have been observed in the outer envelope of this object at 3 mm. For the N = 11 approaches 10 transitions, the two spin-rotation components are clearly resolved and conclusively identify this new radical. These measurements imply a column of density for MgCN of N(sub tot) approximately 10(exp 12)/sq cm in the outer shell, which corresponds to a fractional abundance of f approximately 7x10(exp -10). This molecule, the metastable isomer of MgNC, is the third metal-bearing species thus far identified in the outer shell of IRC + 10216, and its detection implies a ratio of MgNC/MgCN approximately 22/1. MgCN may be formed through a reaction scheme involving magnesium and HNC or CN, both prominent outer shell molecules, or through synthesis on grains.
Document ID
19950056282
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Ziurys, L. M.
(Arizona State University Temple, Arizona, United States)
Apponi, A. J.
(Arizona State University Temple, Arizona, United States)
Guelin, M.
(Institut de Radio Astronomie Millimetrique St. Martine d'Heres, France)
Cernicharo, J.
(Centro Astronomico de Yebes Guadalajara, Spain)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
May 20, 1995
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 2 - Letters
Volume: 445
Issue: 1
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
95A87881
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-2989
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-92-53682
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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