1 research outputs found
Reaction between CH<sub>3</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and BrO Radicals: A New Source of Upper Troposphere Lower Stratosphere Hydroxyl Radicals
Over the last two decades it has
emerged that measured hydroxyl
radical levels in the upper troposphere are often underestimated by
models, leading to the assertion that there are missing sources. Here
we report laboratory studies of the kinetics and products of the reaction
between CH<sub>3</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and BrO radicals that shows that
this could be an important new source of hydroxyl radicals:BrO + CH<sub>3</sub>O<sub>2</sub> → products (1). The temperature
dependent value in Arrhenius form of <i>k</i>(<i>T</i>) is <i>k</i><sub>1</sub> = (2.42<sub>–0.72</sub><sup>+1.02</sup>) × 10<sup>–14</sup> expÂ[(1617
± 94)/<i>T</i>] cm<sup>3</sup> molecule<sup>–1</sup> s<sup>–1</sup>. In addition, CH<sub>2</sub>OO and HOBr are
believed to be the major products. Global model results suggest that
the decomposition of H<sub>2</sub>COO to form OH could lead to an
enhancement in OH of up to 20% in mid-latitudes in the upper troposphere
and in the lower stratosphere enhancements in OH of 2–9% are
inferred from model integrations. In addition, reaction 1 aids conversion
of BrO to HOBr and slows polar ozone loss in the lower stratosphere