Determination of O_2 (a¹Δg) and O_2 (b¹Σ^+g) yields in the reaction O + ClO → Cl + O_2 : Implications for photochemistry in the atmosphere of Venus

Abstract

A discharge flow apparatus with chemiluminescence detector has been used to study the reaction O + ClO → Cl + O2^*, where O_2^* = O_2(a^¹Δ_g) or O_2(b^¹Σ^+g). The measured quantum yields for producing O-2(a6¹Δ-g) and O-2(b6¹Σ^+_g) in the above reaction are less than 2.5 × 10^(−2) and equal to (4.4 ± 1.1) × 10^(−4), respectively. The observed O_2(a^¹Δ_g) airglow of Venus cannot be explained in the context of standard photochemistry using our experimental results and those reported in recent literature. The possibility of an alternative source of O atoms derived from SO_2 photolysis in the mesosphere of Venus is suggested.

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