https://doi.org/10.1140/epjd/e2011-20619-8
Regular Article
Metastable anions of polyynes: Dynamics of fragmentation/stabilization in planetary atmospheres after electron attachment
Department of Chemistry and CISM, The University of Rome ‘Sapienza’, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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e-mail: fagiant@caspur.it
Received: 25 October 2011
Received in final form: 16 December 2011
Published online: 24 February 2012
The quantum dynamics of low-energy free electrons colliding with linear carbonaceous species like HC3N and HC5N is examined to identify the locations and structural features of their metastable negative ions (resonant compound states of the colliding partners) with the aim of suggesting, at the molecular level, the possible mechanisms of anionic stabilization which lead to the several stable species observed in the interstellar and circumstellar media in connection with polyyne structures.
Key words: Topical issue: Electron/Positron Collision. Guest editors: Michael Brunger, Anne Lafosse, Gaetana Laricchia, Paulo Limao-Vieira and Nigel Mason
© EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica and Springer-Verlag 2012