Ubiquitous aromatic carbon chemistry at the earliest stages of star formation

Benzonitrile (c-C6H5CN, where ‘c’ indicates a cyclic structure), polar proxy for benzene (c-C6H6), has the potential to serve as highly convenient radio probe aromatic chemistry, provided that this ring can be found in other astronomical sources beyond molecule-rich prestellar cloud TMC-1. Here we present evidence of benzonitrile four prestellar, and possibly protostellar, sources: Serpens 1A, 1B, 2 MC27/L1521F. These detections establish is not unique TMC-1; rather, chemistry appears widespread throughout earliest stages star formation, probably persisting at least until initial formation protostar. The abundance far exceeds predictions from models well reproduce abundances carbon chains such HC7N, cyanpolyyne with same heavy atoms, indicating responsible planar structures (as opposed linear ones) primordial favourable but understood. relative chain molecules displays sizable variations between within Taurus clouds, implying importance physical conditions elemental reservoirs clouds themselves. Benzonitrile, molecule benzene, now been detected multiple locations molecular suggesting interstellar medium. Chemical underestimate molecules, highlighting need further study.