Spatial and Chemical Complexity in the W75N Star-Forming Region

TL;DR

This study analyzes NOEMA observations of the W75N star-forming region, revealing complex molecular compositions, spatial distributions, and first detections of organic molecules in specific cores, enhancing understanding of high-mass star formation chemistry.

Contribution

First detection and analysis of complex organic molecules in MM2 and MM3 regions of W75N, with detailed spatial and spectral mapping of molecular distributions.

Findings

Different chemical compositions in MM1a and MM1b regions.

Two peaks in MM3 suggest multiple young stellar objects.

Identification of over twenty molecules, including complex organics.

Abstract

We present the analysis of NOEMA interferometric observations of the high-mass star-forming region W75N(B) with a focus on molecular composition and distribution of prebiotic molecules in the source's multiple cores. Over twenty molecules are identified across the region, with many being fit for column density, rotational temperature, spectral line full width half maximum, and v$_{lsr}$. This work includes the first known detection and initial analysis of complex organic molecules in the MM2 and MM3 regions. Furthermore, parameter maps were created from the six molecules that were well fit across multiple regions. The molecular emission was imaged and correlated across different molecules and the continuum to reveal structural features. From the spatial and spectral analysis of the MM1 region, these results concur with those from other studies showing that there is a difference in chemical composition between the MM1a and MM1b regions, with sulfur-bearing molecules tracing MM1a and organic molecules tracing MM1b. The molecular emission imaged toward the MM3 region reveals two peaks, possibly indicating the presence of multiple young stellar objects. These results provide detailed quantitative information about the physical parameters and distributions of molecules in this source. Additionally, these results are part of a follow-up of a single-dish survey of multiple star-forming regions and are discussed in this context.