A non-mass-dependent isotope effect in the production of ozone from molecular oxygen

Abstract

Experimental demonstration of a new, non-mass-dependent isotopic fractionation process is presented. The effect is analytically demonstrated by mass spectrometric analysis of 16O, 17O, and 18O distributions in the reactants and products in the electrosynthesis of ozone from molecular oxygen. The effect appears to be a result of differences in reaction kinetics as a result of symmetries of the isotopically substituted molecules. The direction, magnitude, and abundance distribution of the oxygen isotopes has a direct bearing on theories for the evolution of the solar system.