Reaction of O+, CO+, and CH+ Ions with Atomic Hydrogen

Abstract

Rate coefficients for reactions of the ions ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$, C${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$, and C${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ with atomic hydrogen have been measured for the first time at 300 K. This provides basic data for the ion chemistry of planetary atmospheres, cometary atmospheres, and interstellar molecular clouds. The ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$+H measurement supports quantal calculations of this reaction. The C${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$+H reaction provides an example of partial spin nonconservation in a charge-transfer reaction occurring in a deep potential well. Reactions of the same ions with ${\mathrm{H}}_2$ that have been measured elsewhere are also reported.