SO2 formation and peroxy radical isomerization in the atmospheric reaction of OH radicals with dimethyl disulfide

Abstract

The atmospheric reaction of OH radicals with dimethyl disulfide, CH₃SSCH₃, proceeds primarily via OH addition forming CH₃S and CH₃SOH as reactive intermediates, and to a lesser extent via H-abstraction resulting in the peroxy radical CH₃SSCH₂OO in the presence of O₂. The latter undergoes a fast two-step isomerization process leading to HOOCH₂SSCHO. CH₃S and CH₃SOH are both converted to SO₂ and CH₃O₂ with near unity yields under atmospheric conditions.