2009ApJ...707.1524B

Aminomethanol (NH₂CH₂OH) is formed at low temperature from the purely thermal reaction of NH₃ and H₂CO in laboratory interstellar ice analogs. We report for the first time its infrared and mass spectra. We study its reaction and desorption kinetics using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Its reaction rate is estimated to be k(T) = 0.05 x exp(-4.5(kJ/mol)/RT) and its desorption energy to be E_des= 58±2 kJ/mol. NH₂CH₂ OH can also contribute to the 5-8 µm region of thermally processed ices encountered in many young stellar objects. Gas phase NH₂CH₂OH may be present in hot core regions, when the frozen material is desorbed.