Fluorosulfonic acid and chlorosulfonic acid: possible candidates for OH-stretching overtone-induced photodissociation

We have calculated the stationary points and internal reaction coordinate pathway for the dissociation of fluorosulfonic acid (FSO3H) and chlorosulfonic acid (ClSO3H). These sulfonic acids dissociate to sulfur trioxide and hydrogen fluoride and chloride, respectively. We have calculated the frequencies and intensities of the OH-stretching transitions of FSO3H and ClSO3H with an anharmonic oscillator local mode model. We find that excitation of the fourth and third OH-stretching overtones provide adequate energy for photodissociation of FSO3H and ClSO3H, respectively. We propose that experimental detection of the products of OH-stretching overtone-induced photodissociation of FSO3H and ClSO3H would be easier than the sulfuric acid (H2SO4) equivalent. The photodissociation of H2SO4 is thought to be important in the stratosphere. The FSO3H and ClSO3H experiment could be used in proxy to support the recently proposed OH-stretching overtone-induced photodissociation mechanism of H2SO4.