Polarizability in Astrochemical Studies of Complex Carbon-Based Compounds

Abstract

This Review summarizes the grounds and applications of polarizability to the astrochemical studies on carbon-based compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and fullerenes. Polarizability is useful for the analysis of physicochemical processes (interactions with positrons, molecular collisions, quenching, and dielectric screening) and chemical reactions. The idea of a combined use of minimum-polarizability and minimum-energy principles for searching for novel candidates for interstellar/circumstellar detection is considered. Insights into the astrochemistry of fullerenes and helicenes coming from their polarizability are discussed.

Topics & Concepts