Cyanide and isocyanide abundances in the cold, dark cloud TMC-1

Astrophys J. 1984 Jul 15;282(2):516-21. doi: 10.1086/162229.

Abstract

We have observed emission from HCN, H13CN, HC15N, HN13C, H15NC, HC3N, CH3CN, and possibly CH3NC, and determined an upper limit for NH2CN, toward the cold, dark cloud TMC-1. The abundance ratio [HNC]/[HCN] = 1.55 +/- 0.16 is at least a factor approximately 4 and approximately 100 greater than that observed toward the giant molecular clouds DR 21(OH) and Orion KL, respectively. In contrast, for the corresponding methylated isomers we obtain [CH3NC]/CH3CN] < or approximately 0.1. We also find [NH2CN]/[CH3CN] < or approximately 0.1 and [HC3N]/[CH3CN] = 30 +/- 10. We find no evidence for anomalous hyperfine ratios for H13CN, indicating that the ratios for HCN (cf. recent work of Walmsley et al.) are the result of self-absorption by cold foreground gas.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Astronomical Phenomena
  • Astronomy*
  • Cyanides / analysis*
  • Extraterrestrial Environment*
  • Gases / analysis*
  • Hydrogen Cyanide / analysis*
  • Isomerism
  • Nitriles / analysis

Substances

  • Cyanides
  • Gases
  • Nitriles
  • Hydrogen Cyanide