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

The ion-neutral reactions of the ${\text{C}}_2{\text{H}}_2{\text{N}}^{+}$ cation with C₂H₂ have been investigated using a Guided Ion Beam Mass Spectrometer (GIB-MS). The following ionic products were observed: ${\text{CH}}_3^{+}$, ${\text{C}}_2{\text{H}}_2^{+}$, ${\text{C}}_2{\text{H}}_3^{+}$, ${\text{HNC}}^{+}/{\text{HCN}}^{+}$, ${\text{HCNH}}^{+}$, ${\text{C}}_3{\text{H}}^{+}$, ${\text{C}}_2{\text{N}}^{+}$, ${\text{C}}_3{\text{H}}_3^{+}$, ${\text{HCCN}}^{+}$ and ${\text{C}}_4{\text{H}}_2{\text{N}}^{+}$. 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.