Ion Chemistry in the Interstellar Medium

Abstract

We present an overview of the interstellar medium, including physical and chemical conditions, spectroscopic observations, and current challenges in characterizing interstellar chemistry. Laboratory studies of ion-atom reactions, including experimental approaches and instrumentation, are described. We also tabulate and discuss comprehensive summaries of ion-neutral reactions involving hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen atoms that have been studied since Sablier and Rolando's 1993 review.