THE BRO- KINETICS AND ROLE IN THE ATMOSPHERIC OZONE BUDGET(CH3O2 REACTION )

Using the discharge flow method with detection of species by mass spec trometry and laser-induced fluorescence, the kinetics of the reaction BrO + CH3O2 --> products has been studied at 298 K. The rate constant obtained is (5.7 +/- 0.6) x 10(-12) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1). The mech anism of the reaction has been also investigated. These laboratory dat a are used to discuss the possible impact of this reaction on the ozon e budget in different parts of the atmosphere. The reaction is likely to be negligible in the stratosphere, but is potentially significant i n the remote marine boundary layer. The BrO + CH3O2 reaction, together with other BrO + RO2 reactions, may also significantly contribute to the ozone loss events observed in the Arctic troposphere in spring.