THE VISIBLE SPECTRUM OF GASEOUS OBRO

A new visible absorption spectrum arising from a gaseous transient spe cies in the bromine sensitized decomposition of ozone has been observe d. The spectrum shows a series of absorption bands from 400-600 nm sup erimposed on a continuum, with a maximum absorption near 505 nm and is attributed to the symmetrical bromine oxide, OBrO, possibly formed fr om the reaction of BrO with O-3. The implications for the partitioning of BrOx in the atmosphere are briefly discussed.