Reflectance and transmittance spectra (2.2-2.4 μm) of ion irradiated frozen methanol

We present near-IR (2.2-2.4 mu m) reflectance and transmittance spectra of frozen (16 and 77 K) methanol (CH(3)OH) and water-methanol (1:1)mixtures before and after irradiation with 30keV He(+) and 200 keV H(+) ions. Spectra of other simple hydrocarbons (CH(4), C(2)H(2), C(2)H(4), C(2)H(6)) and CO have also been obtained both to help in the identification of the new molecules formed after ion irradiation of methanol-rich ices, and to get insight into the question of the presence of simple frozen hydrocarbons on the surface of some objects in the outer Solar System. The results confirm what obtained by studies performed in different spectral ranges, namely the ion-induced formation of CO and CH4. and, for the first time, evidence a strong, decrease of the intensity of the methanol band at about 2.34 mu m in comparison with that at 2.27 mu m. The results are discussed in view of their relevance for icy objects in the Solar System (namely comets, Centaurs, and Kuiper belt objects) where CH(3)OH has been observed or suggested to be present. (c) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.