Exploration of the reactivity of N2O5 with two Si(OH)4 monomers using electronic structure methods

The heterogeneous uptake of N₂O₅ on mineral dust particles may play an important role in the removal of nitrogen oxides from the atmosphere. However, the reaction of N₂O₅ with the mineral particles is not well understood. The reaction of N₂O₅ with two Si(OH)₄ monomers is explored using theoretical methods. This study represents a first step towards understanding the interaction of N₂O₅ with the hydroxyl groups of silica particles. Energies are calculated using MP2 single point calculations on the B3LYP optimized geometries and including B3LYP thermodynamic corrections. Four mechanisms are considered for the formation of two HNO₃ and one H₆Si₂O₇. The rate limiting activation barrier of the most favorable path is found to be 12.5 kcal mol^?1. This reaction appears to be more favorable than the hydrolysis of N₂O₅ with one water molecule. These results are in agreement with experimental observations, which show that N₂O₅ reacts with OH groups of Saharan dust to form nitrate. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.