Experimental and theoretical study of the mechanism of formation of astrochemically important C2n+1N− anions via ion/molecule reactions

- C2n+1N− ions easily form larger clusters upon reaction with HC3N.
- Carbon chain growth within (HC3N)x·C2n+1N− clusters was observed.
- Detailed mechanism of the carbon chain growing reaction is presented.
- Implications for Titan's ionospheric chemistry are discussed.