Reactions of excited species in the photolysis of ozone
Abstract
The primary step in the u.-v. photolysis of ozone may produce excited atomic and molecular fragments. It has been shown that, at λ= 254 nm, both O(1D) and O2(1Δg) are formed with unit efficiency. O(1D) may react with O3 to yield either 2O(3P)+ O2 or O†2+ O2, where O†2 is vibrationally or electronically excited. O2(1Δg) reacts with ozone to yield O(3P)+ 2O2. These secondary reactions are discussed with reference to partial and total quantum yields for the removal of O3 and for the production of O(3P). Molecular oxygen quenches O(1D) to yield some O2(1∑g+) which can react with O3. Quantum yields measured in the presence and absence of O2 may be used to estimate the efficiency of the energy transfer from O(1D) to O2.