Astrochemically Relevant Radicals and Radical-Molecule Complexes: A New Insight from Matrix Isolation

The reactive open-shell species play a very important role in the radiation-induced molecular evolution occurring in the cold areas of space and presumably leading to the formation of biologically relevant molecules. This review presents an insight into the mechanism of such processes coming from matrix isolation studies with a main focus on the experimental and theoretical studies performed in the author's laboratory during the past decade. The radicals and radical cations produced from astrochemically relevant molecules were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Small organic radicals containing C, O, and N atoms are considered in view of their possible role in the formation of complex organic molecules (COMs) in space, and a comparison with earlier results is given. In addition, the radical-molecule complexes generated from isolated intermolecular complexes in matrices are discussed in connection with their model significance as the building blocks for COMs formed under the conditions of extremely restricted molecular mobility at cryogenic temperatures.

Automated summary

This review provides insight into the mechanism of reactive open-shell species in the radiation-induced molecular evolution occurring in cold areas of space. The experimental and theoretical studies conducted in the author's laboratory over the past decade are highlighted, with a focus on characterizing radicals and radical cations produced from astrochemically relevant molecules. The significance of these species in the formation of complex organic molecules in space is discussed, along with their model significance as building blocks for molecules formed under extremely restricted molecular mobility at cryogenic temperatures.