Structures and reaction rates of the gaseous oxidation of SO2 by an O3-(H2O)0-5 cluster - a density functional theory investigation

Nicolai Christian Bork, T. Kurtén, Martin Andreas Bødker Enghoff, J.O.P. Pedersen, Kurt Valentin Mikkelsen, Henrik Svensmark

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Based on density functional theory calculations we present a study of the gaseous oxidation of SO 2 to SO 3 by an anionic O 3 -(H 2O) n cluster, n-Combining double low line 0-5. The configurations of the most relevant reactants, transition states, and products are discussed and compared to previous findings. Two different classes of transition states have been identified. One class is characterised by strong networks of hydrogen bonds, very similar to the reactant complexes. The other class is characterised by sparser structures of hydration water and is stabilised by high entropy. At temperatures relevant for atmospheric chemistry, the most energetically favourable class of transition states vary with the number of water molecules attached. A kinetic model is utilised, taking into account the most likely outcomes of the initial SO 2 O 3 -(H 2O) n collision complexes. This model shows that the reaction takes place at collision rates regardless of the number of water molecules involved. A lifetime analysis of the collision complexes supports this conclusion. Hereafter, the thermodynamics of water and O 2 condensation and evaporation from the product SO 3 -O 2(H 2O) n cluster is considered and the final products are predicted to be O 2SO 3 - and O 2SO 3 -(H 2O)1. The low degree of hydration is rationalised through a charge analysis of the relevant complexes. Finally, the thermodynamics of a few relevant reactions of the O 2SO 3 - and O 2SO 3 -(H 2O)1 complexes are considered.

Original languageEnglish
JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics Discussions
Volume12
Issue number8
Pages (from-to)3639-3652
Number of pages14
ISSN1680-7367
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

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