Molecules in the Carbon-rich Protoplanetary Nebula CRL 2688

We present observations of the carbon-rich protoplanetary nebula CRL 2688 made with the Institut de Radioastronomie Millimetrique 30 m telescope in the 3 and 2 mm bands. In total, 196 transition lines belonging to 38 molecular species and isotopologues are detected, among which, to the best of our knowledge, 153 transition lines and 13 species are the first reported for this object. Additionally, in order to contribute to future research, we have collected observational data on the molecular lines of CRL 2688 from the literature and compiled them into a single unified catalog. We find that the molecular abundance of CRL 2688 cannot be explained by the standard model of a circumstellar envelope. The implications of metal-bearing molecules on circumstellar chemistry are discussed.

Automated summary

Observations of the carbon-rich protoplanetary nebula CRL 2688 were made, revealing numerous molecular transition lines and species. A unified catalog of observational data was compiled. The findings suggest that the molecular abundance of CRL 2688 cannot be explained by the standard model, raising implications for circumstellar chemistry.