Determination of molecular gas properties using methyl cyanide lines

A survey of 27 galactic star-forming regions in the 6K−5K , 5K − 4K , and 8K − 7K CH3CN lines at 110, 92, and 147 GHz, respectively, was made. Twenty-five sources were detected at 110 GHz, nineteen at 92 GHz, and three at 147 GHz. The strongest CH3CN emission arise in hot cores in the regions of massive star formation. CH3CN abundance in these objects is larger than 10 due to grain mantle evaporation. Weaker CH3CN lines were found in a number of sources. They may arise either in warm (30-50 K) dense (10–10 cm) clouds, or in hot regions accompanied by colder gas.