Interstellar H3+ and HCS+ Ions Produced in the Dissociative Photoionization Process of CH3C(O)SCH3 in the Proximity of the Sulfur 2p, Carbon 1s, and Oxygen 1s Edges

Abstract

In this work we present a study of the dissociative photoionization of S-methyl thioacetate [CH3C(O)SCH3] by using multicoincidence time-of-flight mass spectrometry and synchrotron radiation in the S 2p, C 1s, and O 1s edges. Total and partial ion yield spectra together with photoelectron–photoion coincidence (PEPICO) and photoelectron–photoion–photoion coincidence (PEPIPICO) spectra were measured. Fragmentation patterns deduced from PEPICO and PEPIPICO spectra at the various excitation energies show a moderate site-specific fragmentation. The dissociation dynamic for the main ion-pair production is discussed. Two-, three-, and four-body dissociation channels have been observed in the PEPIPICO spectra, and the dissociation mechanisms are proposed. The interstellar HCS+ and H3+ ions can be observed during the synchrotron experiments reported in the present work.