An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The chemical reaction that gives rise to → carbon monoxide in the → interstellar medium. According to models, several processes may lead to CO formation. For example, HCO⁺ + e → CO + H. The molecule HCO⁺ is itself produced through several paths, for example: H₃⁺ + C → CH₂⁺ + H, CH₂⁺ + H₂ → CH₃⁺ + H, CH₃⁺ + O → HCO⁺ + H. Alternatively:
C⁺ + H₂O → HCO⁺ + H. Another possibility:
C⁺ + OH → CO⁺ + H, CO⁺ + H₂→ HCO⁺ + H.

See also: → carbon monoxide; → formation.