Formation and reactivity of HOC(+) - Interstellar implications

It is pointed out that the chemistry of HOC(+) is essentially unknown. Difficulties are related to the lack of a convenient source of HOC(+) ions. The possible formation of HOC(+) from CD3OH has been considered. The present investigation is concerned with the characterization of the CHO(+) ions formed from CD3OH using chemical reactivity as a diagnostic tool with the aim of determining the HOC(+)/HCO(+) formation ratio and the approximate internal energy distribution of the two isomers. The rates of reaction of both HCO(+) and HOC with a variety of molecules of interstellar interest are also reported. Of particular interest is the reactivity of HOC(+) with H2 in connection with important interstellar implications of this reaction. The results are interpreted with the aid of statistical phase space theory calculations. The calculations make it possible to estimate the effect of HOC(+) internal energy on reactivity. 52 references