The reaction of NO3 with atomic oxygen

Abstract

This paper describes the identification of a reaction between atomic oxygen, O(³P), and the nitrate radical, NO₃, and the measurement of the kinetics of the process at room temperature. A discharge-flow technique was used, and atomic oxygen concentrations were determined by resonance fluorescence. The rate coefficient obtained was (1.7 ± 0.6)× 10^–11 cm³ molecule^–1s^–1. This value is compared with recently measured rate constants for the reactions of other atoms and radicals with NO₃. The possibility is discussed of the reaction between O and NO₃ occurring in the stratosphere.