The mechanism of SO2 oxidation by CH3O2 radicals. Rate coefficients for the reactions of CH3O2 with SO2 and NO

The reactions of CH₃O₂ with SO₂ and NO have been studied by steady state photolysis of azomethane in the presence of O₂SO₂→NO mixtures at 296 K and 1 atm total pressure. The quantum yield of NO oxidation by CH₃O₂ radicals is increased substantially when SO₂ is added to the system indicating an SO₂ induced chain oxidation of NO. The rate law gives k₁/k₂ = (2.5 ± 0.5) × 10^?3 for CH₃O₂ + SO₂ → CH₃O₂SO₂ (1), CH₃O₂ + NO → CH₃O + NO₂ (2). Combining this ratio with the absolute value of k₁ = 8.2 × 10^?15 cm³ s^?1 gives k₂ = 10^{?11.5 ± 02} cm³ s^?1.