Photochemistry and Non-adiabatic Photodynamics of the HOSO Radical

J Am Chem Soc. 2021 Jul 28;143(29):10836-10841. doi: 10.1021/jacs.1c05149. Epub 2021 Jul 16.

Abstract

Hydroxysulfinyl radical (HOSO) is important due to its involvement in climate geoengineering upon SO2 injection and generation of the highly hygroscopic H2SO4. Its photochemical behavior in the upper atmosphere is, however, uncertain. Here we present the ultraviolet-visible photochemistry and photodynamics of this species by simulating the atmospheric conditions with high-level quantum chemistry methods. Photocleavage to HO + SO arises as the major solar-induced channel, with a minor contribution of H + SO2 photoproducts. The efficient generation of SO is relevant due to its reactivity with O3 and the consequent depletion of ozone in the stratosphere.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't