ALMA Detection of Interstellar Methoxymethanol (CH3OCH2OH)

Abstract : We report the detection of interstellar methoxymethanol (CH3OCH2OH) in Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) Bands. 6 and. 7 toward the MM1 core in the high-mass star-forming region NGC 6334I at similar to 0 ''. 1-1 ''. spatial resolution. A column density of 4(2). x 10(18) cm(-2) at T-ex = 200 K is derived toward MM1, similar to 34. times less abundant than methanol (CH3OH), and significantly higher than predicted by astrochemical models. Probable formation and destruction pathways are discussed, primarily through the reaction of the CH3OH photodissociation products, the methoxy (CH3O) and hydroxymethyl (CH2OH) radicals. Finally, we comment on the implications of these mechanisms on gas-phase versus grain-surface routes operative in the region, and the possibility of electron-induced dissociation of CH3OH rather than photodissociation.