This thesis is about the study of hydrocarbons via infrared spectroscopy. Hydrocarbons play an important role in the chemistry of a variety of astronomical environments from the diffuse... Show moreThis thesis is about the study of hydrocarbons via infrared spectroscopy. Hydrocarbons play an important role in the chemistry of a variety of astronomical environments from the diffuse interstellar medium to dense hydrocarbon atmospheres of solar system bodies (e.g., planetary atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn’s moon Titan) and exoplanets. For most astronomical objects, the determination of chemical abundances, and consequently an understanding of the chemical evolution relies upon the observation of molecular spectra. However, to date astronomical models need to make assumptions, because not all of the molecules expected have been observed. This is due, in part, to a lack of accurate spectral data, which is needed for unambiguous identification. Using a combination of high-resolution infrared experiments and/or high level ab initio calculations of vibration frequencies and ground state spectroscopic constants, the infrared spectral data of HC2H, HC4H, HC6H, HC8H, C3H4, c-C3H3+ and Dn-PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAH) are studied and presented, in order to fill in some of the missing spectral data. Show less
Large areas of space are filled by molecular clouds that consist of gas and dust grains that are the remnants of dead stars. When these clouds start collapsing, the decreasing temperature and... Show moreLarge areas of space are filled by molecular clouds that consist of gas and dust grains that are the remnants of dead stars. When these clouds start collapsing, the decreasing temperature and increasing density cause gas particles to start accreting onto dust grain surfaces. This results in layered geometries of partially mixed ices on top of the grains that act as molecule reservoirs and cryogenic catalysts on which both simple and complex molecules form in surface reactions. These grains form the material from which celestial bodies form. A good understanding of the elementary processes taking place in dark interstellar clouds, therefore, is necessary to understand the chemical inventory of stellar systems, like our own Solar system.This thesis focuses on laboratory studies investigating the surface chemistry of CO-rich ices on dust grains at temperatures as low as 10 K. The formation mechanisms of complex organic molecules (COMs) are investigated by non-energetic processes (e.g., hydrogenation) and energetic processes (e.g., photolysis). Moreover, the net transfer of the newly formed hydrogenated species from grain surfaces into the gas phase through non-thermal desorption is investigated to link the detection of COMs in the gas phase to their formation in the solid state. Show less
