Zhihua Zuo, Yosuke Katsumura, Kiyotaka Ueda and Kenkichi Ishigure
Electron transfer reactions of sulfate radical anion (SO4-) and nitrate radical (NO3) with chlorate ion (ClO3-) have been studied by laser photolysis. Reaction (1) leads to the formation of chlorine trioxide radical (ClO3) which has an absorption peak at 330 nm. Simulation work gave estimated results including: the forward and reverse rate constants of reaction (1), [kf=(4.0±0.5)×106 dm3 mol-1 s-1, kr=(5±5)×105 dm3 mol-1 s-1 at ionic strength I=0], the second-order decay rate constant of ClO3 [2k=(9.0±1.6)×108 dm3 mol-1 s-1], and its molar absorption coefficient [ε=(1500±250) dm3 mol-1 cm-1 at 330 nm]. Reaction (2) was also observed and the forward and reverse rate constants were determined to be kf=(9.0±1.2)×103 dm3 mol-1 s-1 and kr=(8.3±1.0)×102 dm3 mol-1 s-1. The equilibrium constant K of reaction (2) was determined to be 42±6, from the observed absorbance of the radicals at equilibrium. The reduction potential of ClO3, E0(ClO3/ClO3-) was deduced to be 2.35±0.05 V vs. NHE when E0(NO3/NO3-) is taken as 2.45±0.05 V vs. NHE.