ALMA Detection of Interstellar Methoxymethanol (CH${}_3$OCH${}_2$OH)

Abstract

We report the detection of interstellar methoxymethanol (CH${}_3$OCH${}_2$OH) in ALMA Bands 6 and 7 toward the MM1 core in the high-mass star-forming region NGC 6334I at ~0.1" - 1" spatial resolution. A column density of 4(2) x $10^{18}$ cm${}^{-2}$ at $T_{ex}$ = 200 K is derived toward MM1, ~34 times less abundant than methanol (CH${}_3$OH), and significantly higher than predicted by astrochemical models. Probable formation and destruction pathways are discussed, primarily through the reaction of the CH${}_3$OH photodissociation products, the methoxy (CH${}_3$O) and hydroxymethyl (CH${}_2$OH) radicals. Finally, we comment on the implications of these mechanisms on gas-phase vs grain-surface routes operative in the region, and the possibility of electron-induced dissociation of CH${}_3$OH rather than photodissociation.

Accepted in Astrophysical Journal Letters

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