A computational characterization of the reaction mechanisms for the reactions N(2D) + CH3CN and HC3N and implications for the nitrogen-rich organic chemistry of Titan

Abstract

The reactions of atomic nitrogen in its first electronically excited state, N(2D), with acetonitrile (CH3CN) and cyanoacetylene (HC3N) have been investigated by performing electronic structure calculations of the doublet potential energy surfaces and RRKM estimates of the product branching fractions. According to our results, the insertion of N(2D) into one of the sigma C[sbnd]H bonds of acetonitrile leading to the formation of cyanomethanimine (also known as iminoacetonitrile) and the N(2D) addition to the C[sbnd]C triple bond of cyanoacetylene leading to the formation of dicyanocarbene are the main reaction pathways under the conditions typical of the upper atmosphere of Titan, the massive moon of Saturn. Other molecular products originating from other reaction pathways only give a minor contribution. Implications for the atmospheric chemistry of Titan, as well as implications in prebiotic chemistry and in the chemistry of the interstellar medium, are also noted.