Rate constants for the reactions of OH with ClO, Cl2, and Cl2O at 298K

Recent concern about the depletion of stratospheric ozone by chlorine species from the decomposition of chlorofluoromethanes has emphasized the need for laboratory studies of the first reaction steps involved, especially those which control the concentration of the OH and ClO radicals in the stratosphere. Rate constants for the reactions of OH with ClO, Cl2, and Cl2O at 298 K have been determined in a discharge flow system using resonance fluoresence detection. The results are (9.1 + or - 1.3) x 10 to the -12th, (5.5 + or - 0.3) x 10 to the -14th, and (6.5 + or - 0.5) x 10 to the -12th (all in units of cu cm/sec), respectively.