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The stability and photochemistry of dimers of the ClO radical and implications for Antarctic ozone depletion

Abstract

Measurements of the ultraviolet spectrum of the Cl2O2 molecule formed at temperatures in the range 203–300 K by recombination of ClO radicals are reported. The equilibrium constant for the reaction has been determined and the products of photolysis of C12O2 at 254 nm investigated. The main photodissociation pathway for C12O2 probably produces Cl atoms and chlorine peroxy radicals, as assumed in calculation of the ozone loss by the ClO and C12O2 catalytic cycle in the Antarctic stratosphere.

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Cox, R., Hayman, G. The stability and photochemistry of dimers of the ClO radical and implications for Antarctic ozone depletion. Nature 332, 796–800 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1038/332796a0

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