Mechanism of heterogeneous oxidation of carbonyl sulfide on Al2O3: an in situ diffuse reflectance infrared fourier transform spectroscopy investigation

Heterogeneous reaction of carbonyl sulfide (OCS) on the surface of different types of alumina (Al(2)O(3)) at 298 K was investigated in a closed system and a flowed system using in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). The effects of calcination temperature of the Al(2)O(3) on its catalyzed reactivity were studied. The crystal structure and surface area of the Al(2)O(3) were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. This paper revealed that adsorbed OCS could be catalytically oxidized on the surface of Al(2)O(3) to form gas-phase CO(2) and surface hydrogen carbonate (HCO(3)(-)) and sulfate (SO(4)(2-)) species at 298 K. The surface hydroxyl (OH) species on the Al(2)O(3) had been found to be the key reactant for the heterogeneous oxidation of OCS. Furthermore, the surface hydrogen thiocarbonate (HSCO(2)(-)) species, an intermediate formed in the reaction of OCS with OH, can be observed on the thermal-treated Al(2)O(3). On the basis of these results, the reaction mechanism of heterogeneous oxidation of OCS on Al(2)O(3) is discussed.     

Al2O3上羰基硫常温催化水解的氧中毒机理

利用原位漫反射傅立叶变换红外光谱、X光衍射、BET、离子色谱(IC)等手段, 对Al2O3常温催化水解羰基硫(OCS)的氧中毒机理进行了研究. 实验表明, 表面—OH在OCS的催化水解反应中起关键作用, 表面HSCO-2物种是OCS催化水解反应的中间体. 有氧条件下, 利用原位红外光谱和离子色谱检测到了催化剂表面SO2-4的生成. SO2-4在催化剂表面积累是Al2O3上OCS常温催化水解氧中毒的主要原因.<     

Adsorption of sulfur dioxide on hematite and goethite particle surfaces

The adsorption of sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) on iron oxide particle surfaces at 296 K has been investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A custom-designed XPS ultra-high vacuum chamber was coupled to an environmental reaction chamber so that the effects of adsorbed water and molecular oxygen on the reaction of SO(2) with iron oxide surfaces could be followed at atmospherically relevant pressures. In the absence of H(2)O and O(2), exposure of hematite (alpha-Fe(2)O(3)) and goethite (alpha-FeOOH) to SO(2) resulted predominantly in the formation of adsorbed sulfite (SO(3)(2-)), although evidence for adsorbed sulfate (SO(4)(2-)) was also found. At saturation, the coverage of adsorbed sulfur species was the same on both alpha-Fe(2)O(3) and alpha-FeOOH as determined from the S2p : Fe2p ratio. Equivalent saturation coverages and product ratios of sulfite to sulfate were observed on these oxide surfaces in the presence of water vapor at pressures between 6 and 18 Torr, corresponding to 28 to 85% relative humidity (RH), suggesting that water had no effect on the adsorption of SO(2). In contrast, molecular oxygen substantially influenced the interactions of SO(2) with iron oxide surfaces, albeit to a much larger extent on alpha-Fe(2)O(3) relative to alpha-FeOOH. For alpha-Fe(2)O(3), adsorption of SO(2) in the presence of molecular oxygen resulted in the quantitative formation of SO(4)(2-) with no detectable SO(3)(2-). Furthermore, molecular oxygen significantly enhanced the extent of SO(2) uptake on alpha-Fe(2)O(3), as indicated by the greater than two-fold increase in the S2p : Fe2p ratio. Although SO(2) uptake is still enhanced on alpha-Fe(2)O(3) in the presence of molecular oxygen and water, the enhancement factor decreases with increasing RH. In the case of alpha-FeOOH, there is an increase in the amount of SO(4)(2-) in the presence of molecular oxygen, however, the predominant surface species remained SO(3)(2-) and there is no enhancement in SO(2) uptake as measured by the S2p : Fe2p ratio. A mechanism involving molecular oxygen activation on oxygen vacancy sites is proposed as a possible explanation for the non-photochemical oxidation of sulfur dioxide on iron oxide surfaces. The concentration of these sites depends on the exact environmental conditions of RH.     

Interaction of Al2O3 and CeO2 surfaces with SO2 and SO2 + O2 studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

The interaction of Al2O3 and CeO2 thin films with sulfur dioxide (2.5 mbar) or with mixtures of SO2 with O2 (5 mbar) at various temperatures (30-400 degrees C) was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The analysis of temperature-induced transformations of S2p spectra allowed us to identify sulfite and sulfate species and determine the conditions of their formation on the oxide surfaces. Sulfite ions, SO3(2-), which are characterized by the S2p(3/2) binding energy (BE) of approximately 167.5 eV, were shown to be formed during the interaction of the oxide films with pure SO2 at temperatures < or =200 degrees C, whereas sulfate ions, SO4(2-), with BE (S2p(3/2)) approximately 169 eV were produced at temperatures > or =300 degrees C. The formation of both the sulfite and sulfate species proceeds more efficiently in the case of CeO2. The addition of oxygen to SO2 suppresses the formation of the sulfite species on both oxides and facilitates the formation of the sulfate species. Again, this enhancement is more significant for the CeO2 film than for the Al2O3 one. The sulfation of the CeO2 film is accompanied by a reduction of Ce(IV) ions to Ce(III) ones, both in the absence and in the presence of oxygen. It has been concluded that the amount of the sulfates on the CeO2 surface treated with the SO2 + O2 mixture at > or =300 degrees C corresponds to the formation of a 3D phase of the Ce(III) sulfate. The sulfation of Al2O3 is limited by the surface of the oxide film.     

Protonated carbonyl sulfide: prospects for the spectroscopic observation of the elusive HSCO+ isomer

Spurred by the apparent conflict between ab initio predictions and infrared spectroscopic evidence regarding the relative stability of isomers of protonated carbonyl sulfide, key stationary points on the isomerization surface of HOCS(+) have been examined via systematic extrapolations of ab initio energies. Electron correlation has been accounted for using second-order M?ller-Plesset perturbation theory and coupled cluster theory through triple excitations [CCSD, CCSD(T), and CCSDT] in conjunction with the correlation consistent hierarchy of basis sets, cc-pVXZ (X=D,T,Q,5,6). HSCO(+) is predicted to lie lower in energy than HOCS(+) by 4.86 kcal mol(-1), computed using the focal point extrapolation scheme of Allen and co-workers [J. Chem. Phys. 99, 4638 (1993)] with corrections for anharmonic zero-point vibrational energy, core correlation, non-Born-Oppenheimer, and scalar relativistic effects. A transition state has been located, constituting the barrier to isomerization of HSCO(+) to HOCS(+), lying 68.9 kcal mol(-1) higher in energy than HSCO(+). This is well above predicted exothermicity [DeltaH(r) (o)(0 K)=48.1 kcal mol(-1), cc-pVQZ CCSD(T)] for the reaction considered in the experiments (HSCO(+)+H(2)-->OCS+H(3) (+)). Though proton tunneling will lead to a lower effective barrier, this prediction is consistent with the lack of HSCO(+) in electrical discharges in H(2)OCS, since the relative populations of HOCS(+) and HSCO(+) will depend on the experimental details of the protonation route rather than the relative thermodynamic stability of the isomers. Anharmonic vibrational frequencies and vibrationally corrected rotational constants from cc-pVTZ CCSD(T) cubic and quartic force constants are provided, to aid in the spectroscopic observation of the energetically favorable but apparently elusive HSCO(+) isomer.     

Heterogeneous reactions of sulfur dioxide on typical mineral particles

The heterogeneous reaction of SO2 on Al2O3, CaO, TiO2, MgO, FeOOH, Fe2O3, MnO2, and SiO2, as well as authentic aerosol sample, was investigated by using a White Cell coupled with in situ-FTIR and Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS). Simultaneous observations of reactants and products were performed to obtain full information on the mechanism and kinetics of the reactions. SO2 was irreversibly adsorbed to form surface sulfite (SO3(2-)), bisulfite (HSO3(-)), and sulfate (SO4(2-)). The reactivity order of these particles is the following: FeOOH >Al2O3 > mixture > MgO > Fe2O3 > SiO2. Field-collected aerosol showed significant activity for the oxidation of SO2. The uptake coefficient of SO2 on Al2O3 with different acidity varied in the order of basic Al2O3 > neutral Al2O3 > acidic Al2O3. The surface-active oxygen and hydroxyl might be the key factors for the conversion of SO2 to SO4(2-). The faster reaction rate could be achieved with greater surface area on particles with the same mass. On the basis of the same surface area Fe2O3 could be most reactive in the reaction with SO2 compared with all other particles. The apparent rate constants were determined to be 1.35 x 10(-2) and 9.4 x 10(-3) for uptake on Al2O3 and MgO, respectively, which are the same as the results of other scientists.     

Synergistic reaction between SO2 and NO2 on mineral oxides: a potential formation pathway of sulfate aerosol

Sulfate is one of the most important aerosols in the atmosphere. A new sulfate formation pathway via synergistic reactions between SO(2) and NO(2) on mineral oxides was proposed. The heterogeneous reactions of SO(2) and NO(2) on CaO, α-Fe(2)O(3), ZnO, MgO, α-Al(2)O(3), TiO(2), and SiO(2) were investigated by in situ Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (in situ DRIFTS) at ambient temperature. Formation of sulfate from adsorbed SO(2) was promoted by the coexisting NO(2), while surface N(2)O(4) was observed as the crucial oxidant for the oxidation of surface sulfite. This process was significantly promoted by the presence of O(2). The synergistic effect between SO(2) and NO(2) was not observed on other mineral particles (such as CaCO(3) and CaSO(4)) probably due to the lack of the surface reactive oxygen sites. The synergistic reaction between SO(2) and NO(2) on mineral oxides resulted in the formation of internal mixtures of sulfate, nitrate, and mineral oxides. The change of mixture state will affect the physicochemical properties of atmospheric particles and therefore further influence their environmental and climate effects.     

Laboratory detection of the elusive HSCO+ isomer

The rotational spectrum of protonated carbonyl sulfide, HSCO(+), has now been detected in the centimeter-wave band in a molecular beam by Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. Rotational and centrifugal distortion constants have been determined from transitions in the K(a)=0 ladder of the normal isotopic species, and DSCO(+) and H(34)SCO(+). HSCO(+) is systematically more abundant by a factor of three than HOCS(+), the isomer obtained by attaching the H(+) to the other end of the molecule, which ab initio calculations long predicted to be higher in energy by 4-5 kcalmol. Because HSCO(+) is comparable in polarity to HOCS(+) and is apparently more stable and because OCS is widely distributed in astronomical sources, HSCO(+) is a good candidate for detection with radio telescopes.     

SOx on ceria from adsorbed SO2

Results from first-principles calculations present a rather clear picture of the interaction of SO(2) with unreduced and partially reduced (111) and (110) surfaces of ceria. The Ce(3+)∕Ce(4+) redox couple, together with many oxidation states of S, give rise to a multitude of SO(x) species, with oxidation states from +III to +VI. SO(2) adsorbs either as a molecule or attaches via its S-atom to one or two surface oxygens to form sulfite (SO(3)(2-)) and sulfate (SO(4)(2-)) species, forming new S-O bonds but never any S-Ce bonds. Molecular adsorption is found on the (111) surface. SO(3)(2-) structures are found on both the (111) and (110) surfaces of both stoichiometric and partially reduced ceria. SO(4)(2-) structures are observed on the (110) surface together with the formation of two reduced Ce(3+) surface cations. SO(2) can also partially heal the ceria oxygen vacancies by weakening a S-O bond, when significant electron transfer from the surface (Ce4f) into the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of the SO(2) adsorbate takes place and oxidizes the surface Ce(3+) cations. Furthermore, we propose a mechanism that could lead to monodentate sulfate formation at the (111) surface.     

Characterization of sulfurous acid, sulfite, and bisulfite aerosol systems

Acidic tropospheric aerosols contain inorganic species such as sulfurous acid (H(2)SO(3)). As the main alkaline species, ammonia (NH(3)) plays an important role in the heterogeneous neutralization of these acidic aerosols. An aerosol flow-tube apparatus was used to obtain simultaneous optical and size distribution measurements using FTIR and SMPS measurements, respectively, as a function of relative humidity and aerosol chemical composition. A novel chemiluminescence apparatus was also used to measure ammonium ion concentration [NH(4)(+)]. The interactions between ammonia and hydrated sulfur dioxide (SO(2)·H(2)O) were studied at different humidities and concentrations. SO(2)·H(2)O is an important species as it represents the first intermediate in the overall atmospheric oxidation process of sulfur dioxide to sulfuric acid (H(2)SO(4)). This complex was produced within gaseous, aqueous, and aerosol SO(2) systems. The addition of ammonia gave mainly hydrogen sulfite (SHO(3)(-)) tautomers and disulfite ions (S(2)O(5)(2-)). These species were prevalent at high humidities enhancing the aqueous nature of sulfur(IV) species. Their weak acidity is evident due to the low [NH(4)(+)] produced. Size distributions obtained correlated well with the various stages of particulate compositional development.     

Sulfur X-ray absorption and vibrational spectroscopic study of sulfur dioxide, sulfite, and sulfonate solutions and of the substituted sulfonate ions X3CSO3- (X = H, Cl, F)

Sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra have been recorded and the S(1s) electron excitations evaluated by means of density functional theory-transition potential (DFT-TP) calculations to provide insight into the coordination, bonding, and electronic structure. The XANES spectra for the various species in sulfur dioxide and aqueous sodium sulfite solutions show considerable differences at different pH values in the environmentally important sulfite(IV) system. In strongly acidic (pH < approximately 1) aqueous sulfite solution the XANES spectra confirm that the hydrated sulfur dioxide molecule, SO2(aq), dominates. The theoretical spectra are consistent with an OSO angle of approximately 119 degrees in gas phase and acetonitrile solution, while in aqueous solution hydrogen bonding reduces the angle to approximately 116 degrees . The hydration affects the XANES spectra also for the sulfite ion, SO32-. At intermediate pH ( approximately 4) the two coordination isomers, the sulfonate (HSO3-) and hydrogen sulfite (SO3H-) ions with the hydrogen atom coordinated to sulfur and oxygen, respectively, could be distinguished with the ratio HSO3-:SO3H- about 0.28:0.72 at 298 K. The relative amount of HSO3- increased with increasing temperature in the investigated range from 275 to 343 K. XANES spectra of sulfonate, methanesulfonate, trichloromethanesulfonate, and trifluoromethanesulfonate compounds, all with closely similar S-O bond distances in tetrahedral configuration around the sulfur atom, were interpreted by DFT-TP computations. The energy of their main electronic transition from the sulfur K-shell is about 2478 eV. The additional absorption features are similar when a hydrogen atom or an electron-donating methyl group is bonded to the -SO3 group. Significant changes occur for the electronegative trichloromethyl (Cl3C-) and trifluoromethyl (F3C-) groups, which strongly affect the distribution especially of the pi electrons around the sulfur atom. The S-D bond distance 1.38(2) A was obtained for the deuterated sulfonate (DSO3-) ion by Rietveld analysis of neutron powder diffraction data of CsDSO3. Raman and infrared absorption spectra of the CsHSO3, CsDSO3, H3CSO3Na, and Cl3CSO3Na.H2O compounds and Raman spectra of the sulfite solutions have been interpreted by normal coordinate calculations. The C-S stretching force constant for the trichloromethanesulfonate ion obtains an anomalously low value due to steric repulsion between the Cl3C- and -SO3 groups. The S-O stretching force constants were correlated with corresponding S-O bond distances for several oxosulfur species.     

Heterogeneous reactions of sulfur dioxide on dust

In urban atmospheric environment, SO2 is the prin- cipal sulfur-containing anthropogenic pollutant, with concentrations reaching into hundreds of parts per bil- lion[1]. Atmospheric SO2 can be adsorbed and oxidized to sulfate on the surface of particles and subsequently involved in the formation of secondary inorganic aerosol in the atmosphere[2―4]. Sulfate particles are known to affect climate by scattering solar radiation, resulting in a net cooling effect, as well as acting as cloud conde…     

A simple diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic determination of sulfur dioxide in ambient air using potassium tetrachloromercurate as the absorbing reagent

This paper presents development of a simple, rapid, and precise analytical method for determination of sulfur dioxide in ambient air by a gas to solid-phase conversion method. Sulfur dioxide is determined in the form of sulfite (SO3(2-)) because the absorbing reagent, potassium tetrachloromercurate (TCM), used in this method absorbs sulfur dioxide from the atmosphere in the form of sulfite. Determination of submicrogram levels of sulfur dioxide was based on the selection of a quantitative analytical peak at 495 cm(-1) among the 3 observed vibrational peaks for the dichlorosulfitomercurate complex formed after reaction of sulfur dioxide with TCM and measurement of absorbance using diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The limits of detection and quantification of the method were found to be 0.09 and 0.4 microg/g SO3(2-), respectively. The precision in terms of standard deviation and relative standard deviation (RSD) at a level of 2 microg SO3(2-)/10.1 g KBr for n = 10 was found to be 0.036 microg SO3(2-) and 1.8%, respectively. The RSD (n = 10) for determination of sulfur dioxide in ambient air was observed to be in the range of 2.7-4.2%. The method proposed is time saving and eliminates the slow and cumbersome steps of pH maintenance of the reaction mixture and color formation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommended West and Gaeke spectrophotometric method and other methods for quantitative determination of sulfur dioxide.     

Ab initio thermodynamics examination of sulfur species present on Rh, Ni, and binary Rh-Ni surfaces under steam reforming reaction conditions

The stable form of adsorbed sulfur species and their coverage were investigated on Rh, Ni, and Rh-Ni binary metal surfaces using density functional theory calculations and the ab initio thermodynamics framework. S adsorption, SO(x) (x = 1-4) adsorption, and metal sulfide formation were examined on Rh(111) and Ni(111) pure metals. Both Rh and Ni metals showed a preference for S surface adsorption rather than SO(x) adsorption under steam reforming conditions. The transition temperature from a clean surface (<(1)/(9) ML) to S adsorption was identified on Rh(111), Ni(111), Rh(1)Ni(2)(111), and Rh(2)Ni(1)(111) metals at various P(H(2))/P(H(2)S) ratios. Bimetallic Rh-Ni metals transition to a clean surface at lower temperatures than does the pure Rh metal. Whereas Rh is covered with (1)/(3) ML of sulfur under the reforming conditions of 4-100 ppm S and 800 °C, Rh(1)Ni(2) is covered with (1)/(9) ML of sulfur at the lower end of this range (4-33 ppm S). The possibility of sulfate formation on Rh catalysts was examined by considering higher oxygen pressures, a Rh(221) stepped surface, and the interface between a Rh(4) cluster and CeO(2)(111) surface. SO(x) surface species are stable only at high oxygen pressure or low temperatures outside those relevant to the steam reforming of hydrocarbons.     

On the formation of ozone in oxygen-rich solar system ices via ionizing radiation

The irradiation of pure molecular oxygen (O(2)) and carbon dioxide (CO(2)) ices with 5 keV H(+) and He(+) ions was investigated experimentally to simulate the chemical processing of oxygen rich planetary and interstellar surfaces by exposure to galactic cosmic ray (GCR), solar wind, and magnetospheric particles. Deposited at 12 K under ultra-high vacuum conditions (UHV), the irradiated condensates were monitored on-line and in situ in the solid-state by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), revealing the formation of ozone (O(3)) in irradiated oxygen ice; and ozone, carbon monoxide (CO), and cyclic carbon trioxide (c-CO(3)) in irradiated carbon dioxide. In addition to these irradiation products, evolution of gas-phase molecular hydrogen (H(2)), atomic helium (He) and molecular oxygen (O(2)) were identified in the subliming oxygen and carbon dioxide condensates by quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS). Temporal abundances of the oxygen and carbon dioxide precursors and the observed molecular products were compiled over the irradiation period to develop reaction schemes unfolding in the ices. These reactions were observed to be dependent on the generation of atomic oxygen (O) by the homolytic dissociation of molecular oxygen induced by electronic, S(e), and nuclear, S(n), interaction with the impinging ions. In addition, the destruction of the ozone and carbon trioxide products back to the molecular oxygen and carbon dioxide precursors was promoted over an extended period of ion bombardment. Finally, destruction and formation yields were calculated and compared between irradiation sources (including 5 keV electrons) which showed a surprising correlation between the molecular yields (～10(-3)-10(-4) molecules eV(-1)) created by H(+) and He(+) impacts. However, energy transfer by isoenergetic, fast electrons typically generated ten times more product molecules per electron volt (～10(-2)-10(-3) molecules eV(-1)) than exposure to the ions. Implications of these findings to Solar System chemistry are also discussed.     

Renewable-surface sol-gel derived carbon ceramic electrode fabricated by [Ru(bpy)(tpy)Cl]PF6 and its application as an amperometric sensor for sulfide and sulfur oxoanions

A highly sensitive and fast responding sensor for the determination of thiosulfate, sulfite, sulfide and dithionite is described. It consists of a chemically modified carbon ceramic composite electrode (CCE) containing [Ru(bpy)(tpy)Cl]PF6 complex that was constructed by the sol-gel technique. A reversible redox couple of Ru(II)/Ru(III) was observed as a solute in acetonitrile solution and as a component of carbon based conducting composite electrode. Electrochemical behavior and stability of modified CCE were investigated by cyclic voltametry, the apparent electron transfer rate constant (kappa(S)) and transfer coefficient (a) were determined by cyclic voltametry which were about 28 s(-1) and 0.43 respectively. Electrocatalytic oxidation of S(2-), SO3(2-), S2O4(2-) and S2O3(2-) were effective at the modified electrode at significantly reduced overpotentials and in the pH range 1-11. Optimum pH values for amperometric detection of thiosulfate, dithionite, sulfide and sulfite are 7, 9, 2 and 2. Under the optimized conditions the calibration curves are linear in the concentration ranges 1-500, 3-80, 2-90 and 1-100 microM for S2O3(2-), SO3(2-), S2- and S2O4(2-) determination. The detection limit (signal to noise is 3) and sensitivity are 0.5 and 12, 2.8 and 6, 1.6 and 8, and 0.65 microM and 80 nA microM(-1) for thiosulfate, sulfite, sulfide and dithionite detection. The modified carbon ceramic electrode doped with Ru-complex shows good reproducibility, a short response time (t < 2 s), remarkable long term stability (> 6 month) and especially good surface renewability by simple mechanical polishing (RSD for eight successive polishing is 2%). The advantages of this sulfur compound amperometric detector based on ruthenium doped CCE are high sensitivity, inherent stability at a broader pH range, excellent catalytic activity, less expense and simplicity of preparation in comparison with recently published papers. This sensor can be used as a chromatographic detector for analysis of sulfur derivatives.     

Quantum chemical and theoretical kinetics study of the O(3P) + CS2 reaction

The triplet potential energy surface of the O((3)P) + CS(2) reaction is investigated by using various quantum chemical methods including CCSD(T), QCISD(T), CCSD, QCISD, G3B3, MPWB1K, BB1K, MP2, and B3LYP. The thermal rate coefficients for the formation of three major products, CS + SO ((3)Σ(-)), OCS + S ((3)P) and CO + S(2) ((3)Σ(-)(g)) were computed by using transition state and RRKM statistical rate theories over the temperature range of 200-2000 K. The computed k(SO + CS) by using high-level quantum chemical methods is in accordance with the available experimental data. The calculated rate coefficients for the formation of OCS + S ((3)P) and CO + S(2) ((3)Σ(-)(g)) are much lower than k(SO + CS); hence, it is predicted that these two product channels do not contribute significantly to the overall rate coefficient.     

Ab initio study of the atmospheric oxidation of CS2.

The reactions of OH with CS2, OCS, and 3SO and of 3O2 with CS2, SCSOH, and HOSO have been studied by optimizing minima and transition states with B3LYP/6-31+G(d) and carrying out higher-level ab initio calculations on fixed geometries. The combined calculations provide valuable insight into the mechanism for the atmospheric oxidation of CS2. The initial step is the formation of the SCSOH complex (1) which readily adds molecular oxygen to form the SC(OO)SOH complex (8). A key step is the oxygen atom transfer to the sulfur bearing the hydroxyl group which leads directly to OCS plus HOSO. The HOSO + 3O2 reaction has a near zero calculated activation barrier so generation of O2H + SO2 should proceed readily in the atmosphere.     

The fidelity of spin trapping with DMPO in biological systems

Unlike direct ESR, spin trap methodology depends on the absolute fidelity of the spin trap reaction. Two alternative reactions of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) leading to radical adduct artifacts have been discovered and investigated: inverted spin trapping and the Forrester-Hepburn nucleophilic mechanism. These two alternate pathways to radical adducts are a combination of one-electron oxidation and nucleophilic addition, in either order. In biological systems, serious artifacts have been reported due to the Forrester-Hepburn mechanism, which is initiated by the addition of a nucleophile to DMPO. It has recently been demonstrated that (bi)sulfite (hydrated sulfur dioxide) can react with DMPO via a nonradical, nucleophilic reaction, and it has been further proposed that DMPO/(?)SO(3)(-) formation in biological systems is an artifact and not the result of spin trapping of sulfur trioxide anion radical ((?)SO(3)(-)). The one-electron oxidation of (bi)sulfite catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase (HRP)/hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) has been reinvestigated by ESR spin trapping with DMPO and oxygen uptake studies to obtain further evidence for the radical reaction mechanism. In the absence of DMPO, the initial rate of (bi)sulfite-dependent oxygen and H(2)O(2) consumption was determined to be half of the initial rate of DMPO/(?)SO(3)(-) radical adduct formation as determined by ESR, demonstrating that, under our experimental conditions, DMPO exclusively forms the radical adduct by trapping the (?)SO(3)(-).     

Oxyhalogen-sulfur chemistry: kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of N-acetylthiourea by chlorite and chlorine dioxide

The oxidation reactions of N-acetylthiourea (ACTU) by chlorite and chlorine dioxide were studied in slightly acidic media. The ACTU-ClO(2)(-) reaction has a complex dependence on acid with acid catalysis in pH > 2 followed by acid retardation in higher acid conditions. In excess chlorite conditions the reaction is characterized by a very short induction period followed by a sudden and rapid formation of chlorine dioxide and sulfate. In some ratios of oxidant to reductant mixtures, oligo-oscillatory formation of chlorine dioxide is observed. The stoichiometry of the reaction is 2:1, with a complete desulfurization of the ACTU thiocarbamide to produce the corresponding urea product: 2ClO(2)(-) + CH(3)CONH(NH(2))C=S + H(2)O --> CH(3)CONH(NH(2))C=O + SO(4)(2-) + 2Cl(-) + 2H(+) (A). The reaction of chlorine dioxide and ACTU is extremely rapid and autocatalytic. The stoichiometry of this reaction is 8ClO(2)(aq) + 5CH(3)CONH(NH(2))C=S + 9H(2)O --> 5CH(3)CONH(NH(2))C=O + 5SO(4)(2-) + 8Cl(-) + 18H(+) (B). The ACTU-ClO(2)(-) reaction shows a much stronger HOCl autocatalysis than that which has been observed with other oxychlorine-thiocarbamide reactions. The reaction of chlorine dioxide with ACTU involves the initial formation of an adduct which hydrolyses to eliminate an unstable oxychlorine intermediate HClO(2)(-) which then combines with another ClO(2) molecule to produce and accumulate ClO(2)(-). The oxidation of ACTU involves the successive oxidation of the sulfur center through the sulfenic and sulfinic acids. Oxidation of the sulfinic acid by chlorine dioxide proceeds directly to sulfate bypassing the sulfonic acid. Sulfonic acids are inert to further oxidation and are only oxidized to sulfate via an initial hydrolysis reaction to yield bisulfite, which is then rapidly oxidized. Chlorine dioxide production after the induction period is due to the reaction of the intermediate HOCl species with ClO(2)(-). Oligo-oscillatory behavior arises from the fact that reactions that form ClO(2) are comparable in magnitude to those that consume ClO(2), and hence the assertion of each set of reactions is based on availability of reagents that fuel them. A computer simulation study involving 30 elementary and composite reactions gave a good fit to the induction period observed in the formation of chlorine dioxide and in the autocatalytic consumption of ACTU in its oxidation by ClO(2).