Formation and decay of (3P(J))O atoms in the laser flash photolysis of chlorine dioxide (OClO) at 308 nm

The quantum yields of O(3P(J)) and Cl(2P(3/2)) atoms released in the laser flash photolysis of OClO at 308 and 298 K were determined and the kinetics of the subsequent oxygen atom decay was investigated using time-resolved atomic resonance fluorescence measurements. The results are consistent with the formation of sym-ClO3 having a Delta Hf(ClO3) (formed in the reaction O + OClO + Ar) of 55.6 +/-4 kcal/mol.