On the formation of naphthalene cation in space from small hydrocarbon molecules: A theoretical study

► Formation of Naphtalene cation from Benzene neutral and Benzene cation is investigated. ► Accurate ab initio methods of quantum chemistry are used for that purpose. ► The reaction of protonated di acetylene with benzene leads to the formation of naphthalene cation. ► The formation of naphthalene cation should efficiently occur in cold space environments.