Radiative Association of CH3+andH2at 13 K

Abstract
This paper reports the first observation and measurement of two-body ion-neutral association at low temperatures and densities. The rate at 13 K for CH3+ + H2 → CH5+ + hν has been measured to be (1.8 ± 0.3) × 1013 cm3/s for a normal (3 to 1) mix of ortho and para hydrogen. The reaction conditions were such that the process could only have proceeded by radiative stabilization of the collision complex.