IR spectra of irradiated cometary ice analogues containing methanol: a new assignment, a reassignment, and a nonassignment

The IR spectra and radiation chemistry of water-methanol ices near 16 K have been reinvestigated. In contrast to earlier work, no evidence is found for the formation of acetone, and a band previously attributed to ethanol is reassigned to ethylene glycol. Three new features are reported, assigned to the formate ion, and compared to the ISO spectrum of a protostellar source. (C) 2000 Academic Press.