Kinetics and mechanism of the reaction of NH2 with O2 in aqueous solutions

B. Laszlo, Z. B. Alfassi, P. Neta, R. E. Huie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

56 Scopus citations

Abstract

The reaction of NH3 with OH or SO4•- radicals produces the aminyl radical, NH2. Pulse radiolysis and laser flash photolysis techniques were utilized to study the formation of this radical, its absorption spectrum, its reaction with O2, and the mechanism of formation of subsequent intermediates and the main final product, peroxynitrite. The rates of formation of NH2 and its absorption spectrum are in agreement with previous reports. The reaction of NH2 with O2, however, was observed to take place much more rapidly than reported before and to involve an equilibrium of these reactants with the aminylperoxyl radical, NH2O2. The equilibrium is shifted toward completion of the reaction via catalyzed decomposition of this peroxyl radical, and this decomposition affects the observed rate of reaction of NH2 with O2. The peroxyl radical deprotonates and isomerizes and finally forms NO. In the presence of O2•-, NO is converted rapidly to peroxynitrite, ONO2-. This product, which is stable at alkaline pH, was confirmed by γ-radiolysis of aerated ammonia solutions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)8498-8504
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry A
Volume102
Issue number44
DOIs
StatePublished - 29 Oct 1998
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

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