Count the twins

1 · Say what is new

Beginner

What does this study bring?

The first detection of HNCOH⁺ in space The first space molecule with an isocyanate group The first time HNCOH⁺ was made in a laboratory

Column densities measured towards G+0.693: HNCOH⁺, 9.9 × 10¹² cm⁻²; H₂NCO⁺, 2.6 × 10¹² cm⁻².

Intermediate

How many times more abundant is HNCOH⁺ than H₂NCO⁺?

About 0.26 About 3.8 About 7.3

Expert

What is surprising about this ratio?

HNCOH⁺ should quickly turn into H₂NCO⁺ The two twins should be equally abundant The less stable of the two is the more abundant

Expert

According to the authors, what explains the abundance of HNCOH⁺?

The cloud's thermal equilibrium favours it The reaction forming these ions mostly makes it Its dipole moment is larger

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