Experimental Investigation of the Acetylene–Benzene Cocrystal on Titan

Abstract

Abstract Acetylene and benzene are two common molecules formed in Titan’s atmosphere, and are likely components of the lake evaporites. It is known that these two molecules can form a cocrystal, a molecule with a structure that is unique from that of the component molecules. Thus, we sought to study this cocrystal using an experimental setup that simulates Titan surface conditions (90 K, 1.5 bar). Using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, we characterize new spectral absorptions, band shifts, and morphological sample changes associated with this cocrystal from 1 to 2.6 μm, which overlaps with Cassini VIMS wavelength range (0.35–5.1 μm). This is the first study of the resulting acetylene–benzene cocrystal under Titan-relevant temperature and pressure. The cocrystal forms at 135 K and is stable down to 90 K. Our findings can be applied to the cocondensation process in Titan’s atmosphere, as well as the ongoing effort to better characterize the composition and spectral properties of Titan’s lake evaporites. These results can also provide a stepping stone to future surface missions such as Dragonfly, which will closely examine relevant surface materials on Titan.