Primary stage of the reaction between ozone and chloride ions in aqueous solution: Oxidation of chloride ions with ozone through the mechanism of oxygen atom transfer

Abstract

Relying on experimental data on products and the kinetic features of the complex reaction between O3 and Cl−(aq), we establish that the primary stage of the reaction proceeds via a mechanism in which an oxygen atom is transferred from an ozone molecule to a chloride ion. Analyzing the thermodynamic parameters of the primary stage, we conclude that a long-lived intermediate complex of a chloride ion and ozone is initially formed. The mechanism of acid catalysis in the reaction between O3 and Cl−(aq) is described as the formation of a protonated intermediate complex, HO3Cl, in the acidic medium and its rapid decomposition toward the formation of products.