The four possible mechanisms of ring closure in dioxin formation from chlor
ophenols are studied using ab initio molecular dynamics, within generalized
gradient approximation. Free energy barriers, derived as the potential of
mean constraint force, directly lead to a static approximation for the tran
sition rates. We show, however, that the static approximation overestimates
the actual rates by 33%-345%, depending on the intermediate/temperature. C
omparing our results with the available experimental data, we conclude that
, contrary to what is widely assumed, the pathways starting from two chloro
phenols are not among the most dominant pathways in the formation of highly
toxic dioxins, at least in the gas phase. This signifies the role of catal
ysts and/or other precursors. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.