Growth of Larger Hydrocarbons in the Ionosphere of Titan

Abstract

More charge, more reactivity: In contrast to the neutral and monocationic counterparts, hydrocarbon dications CmHn2+ (m=7–11, n=6–8) react with methane via CC coupling concomitant with dehydrogenation (see graphic). With respect to the ionosphere of Titan, small steady-state concentrations of hydrogencarbon dications provide a viable mechanism for the growth of larger hydrocarbon molecules in the presence of methane.