Interstellar carbon dioxide

Abstract

The possibility is considered that the reaction CO + OH yields CO2 + H may lead to a significant concentration of CO2 in dense clouds where both CO and OH have been found to be present. Experimental measurements and observational data are discussed which indicate a formation rate of 8 x 10 to the -15th per cu cm/s for CO2 by the cited reaction under conditions typical of dense interstellar clouds. Other CO2 formation mechanisms and some loss processes for CO2 are examined. It is concluded that an appreciable concentration of CO2 produced by the cited reaction is possible in dense clouds.