Bond-forming reactions of molecular dications as a new route to polyaromatic hydrocarbons

J Am Chem Soc. 2006 Apr 5;128(13):4208-9. doi: 10.1021/ja0600429.

Abstract

Mass-selected CmHn2+ dications of medium size (m = 6-14, n = 6-10) undergo bond-forming reactions in the presence of acetylene with Cm+2Hn2+ + H2 as the major product channel. These unprecedented reactions of organic dications offer a feasible route for the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons under extreme conditions, such as in interstellar clouds.