Complex Reactive Acids from Methanol and Carbon Dioxide Ice: Glycolic Acid (HOCH₂COOH) and Carbonic Acid Monomethyl Ester (CH₃OCOOH)

Abstract The formation of complex organic molecules by simulated secondary electrons generated in the track galactic cosmic rays was investigated interstellar ice analogs composed methanol and carbon dioxide. processed ices were subjected to temperature-programmed desorption mimic transition a cold molecular cloud warmer star-forming region. Reaction products detected as they sublime using photoionization reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometry. By employing isotopic labeling, tunable computed adiabatic ionization energies isomers C 2 H 4 O 3 investigated. Product carbonic acid monomethyl ester (CH OCOOH) glycolic (HOCH COOH) identified. abundance reactants analog low irradiation dose necessary form these indicates that are exemplary candidates for detection. Molecules sharing tautomeric relationship with acid, dihydroxyacetaldehyde ((OH) CCHO), enol ethenetriol (HOCHC(OH) ), not found despite being conditions have successfully produced tautomerization other systems.