Ion-neutral reaction of the C2H2N+ cation with C2H2: An experimental and theoretical study

The ion-neutral reactions of the C2H2N+ cation with C2H2 have been investigated using a Guided Ion Beam Mass Spectrometer (GIB-MS). The following ionic products were observed: CH3+, C2H2+, C2H3+, HNC+/HCN+, HCNH+, C3H+, C2N+, C3H3+, HCCN+ and C4H2N+. Theoretical calculations have been carried out to propose reaction pathways leading to the observed products. These processes are of relevance for the generation of long chain nitrogen-containing species and they may be of interest for the chemistry of Titan's ionosphere or circumstellar envelopes.