H2CN/plus/-nN2 clustering formation and the atmosphere of Titan

On the basis of Voyager 1 measurements of Titan which revealed a dense atmosphere, mainly composed of N2, with some CH4, hydrocarbons and organic nitrogen molecules, it is reasonable to assume that other complex organic nitrogen molecules are formed in the Titan atmosphere by three-body association reactions. The clustering of H2CN(plus) with N2 or CH4 may have an important role in such reaction mechanisms. Results are reported from laboratory measurements of equilibrium constants for the clustering of N2 with H2CN(plus) which leads to H2CN(plus)-nN2 (n equals 1-6) formation, which may illuminate the ion-molecule chemistry of the Titan atmosphere.