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N.G. Adams, L.M. Babcock (University of Georgia)
To model the dynamics and molecular evolution of interstellar clouds, a great deal of information on chemical kinetics is required, preferably under the appropriate conditions of kinetic temperature and internal excitation. This kinetics includes (i) gas phase ionic (ion-molecule and electron-ion) and (ii) neutral-neutral reactions and (iii) heterogeneous surface catalysis, all from simple species to those as complex as polyaromatic hydrocarbons and pre-life molecules. The current situation in these three areas will be briefly reviewed with more emphasis on ionic reactions for which the most data are available. The classes of reactions will include charge and proton transfer, atom insertion and abstraction, radiative association, electron-ion and ion-ion recombination, reactions with atoms, reactions involving isotopes, reaction and production of structural isomers, ring formation and destruction, and condensation. Information on rates of reaction, product identity and state of excitation will be presented wherever possible. Some mention will also be made of the reactions of negative ions. Most recent data will be presented, specifically involving the understudied process of electron-ion recombination. Some possible future directions will also be suggested. Funding of my research program by ACF-PRF, NASA and NSF is gratefully acknowledged.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 37 #2
© 2005. The American Astronomical Soceity.