International audienceUsing vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) synchrotron radiation, threshold and dissociative photoionization of cyanopropyne (CH3C3N) in the gas phase have been studied from 86 000 cm−1 up to 180 000 cm−1 by recording Threshold-PhotoElectron Spectrum (TPES) and PhotoIon Yield (PIY). Ionization energies of the four lowest electronic states X̃+2E,Ã+2A1,B̃+2E and C̃+ of CH3C3N+ are derived from the TPES with a better accuracy than previously reported. The adiabatic ionization potential of CH3C3N is measured as 86872±20 cm−1. A description of the vibrational structure of these states is proposed leading to the first determination of the vibrational frequencies for most modes. The vibrational assignments of the X̃+ state are supported by density functional theory calculations. In addition, dissociative photoionization spectra have been recorded for several cationic fragments in the range 12–15.5 eV (96 790–125 000 cm−1) and they bring new information on the photophysics of CH3C3N+. Threshold energies for the cationic dissociative channels leading to CH2C3N+, CHC3N+, HC3H+, HCNH+ and CH3+ have been measured for the first time and are compared with quantum chemical calculations

Threshold-photoionization spectroscopy of cyanoacetylene (HCN) and its N isotopologue has been investigated in the vacuum-ultraviolet range with a synchrotron-based experiment allowing to record threshold-photoelectron spectrum and photoion yield over a large energy range (from 88 500 to 177 500 cm, i.e., from 11 to 22 eV). Adiabatic ionization energies towards the three lowest electronic states XΠ, A Σ+2, and B Π2 are derived from the threshold-photoelectron spectrum. A detailed description of the vibrational structure of these states is proposed leading to the determination of the vibrational frequencies for most modes. The vibrational assignments and the discussion about the electronic structure are supported by multireference ab initio calculations (CASPT2, MRCI). Unprecedented structures are resolved and tentatively assigned in the region of the B← X transition. Exploratory calculations highlight the complexity of the electronic landscape of the cation up to approximately 10 eV above its ground state.