Fast ion-molecule reactions in planetary atmospheres: a semiempirical capture approach

摘要

The description of planetary and interstellar chemistry relies strongly on ion-molecule reaction rate data collected at room temperature or above. However, the temperature in the ionospheres of planets and in the interstellar medium can decrease down to 100 K and 10 K, respectively. We present here a simple semiempirical method to extend available measurements towards those temperatures. Our approach is based on the long-range capture theory combined with room temperature data. Results are presented for cation-molecule and anion-molecule reactions. An overall good agreement is observed between our model and various experimental data in the temperature range 20-295 K. Deviations larger than a factor of 2 are found, however, with ion trap measurements below ～50 K. Predictions are also made for reactions of carbon chain and hydrocarbon ions with atomic hydrogen, of particular importance in Titan's atmosphere and in interstellar clouds.