The Gas-phase Reaction of NH₂ with Formaldehyde (CH₂O) is not a Source of Formamide (NH₂CHO) in Interstellar Environments

Abstract The first experimental study of the low-temperature kinetics gas-phase reaction NH 2 with formaldehyde (CH O) has been performed. This previously suggested as a source formamide (NH CHO) in interstellar environments. A pulsed Laval nozzle equipped laser-flash photolysis and laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy was used to create monitor temporal decay presence CH O. No loss could be observed via O, we place an upper limit on rate coefficient <6 × 10 ?12 cm 3 molecule ?1 s at 34 K. Ab initio calculations potential energy surface were combined Rice–Rampsberger–Kassel–Marcus (RRKM) predict 6.2 ?14 35 K, consistent results. significant barrier, 18 kJ mol , for formation product, means that only H-abstraction channel producing + CHO, which transfer H atom can occur by quantum mechanical tunneling through 23 is open low temperatures. These results are contrast recent theoretical study, proceed without barrier therefore viable route formation. calculated coefficients astrochemical model, demonstrated this produces negligible amounts under circumstellar conditions. O not important temperatures