Mechanism of the reaction of oxygen atoms, O(3P) with dimethyl disulfide

The mechanism of the reaction of ground state oxygen atoms, O( 3 P), with CH 3 SSCH 3 was studied by analysis of the final products. Oxygen atoms were generated by mercury photosensitized decomposition of N 2 O such that [Formula: see text]. The only detected product was CH 3 S(O) 2 SCH 3 , which accounted for close to 70% of the oxygen atoms reacted. Isomerization of small amounts of cis- or trans-2-butene added to the reaction mixture indicated the presence of CH 3 S radicals. The results are consistent with the primary reaction O + CH 3 SSCH 3  → CH 3 SO + CH 3 S. The effect of small amounts of CH 3 SH and H 2 S on the yields of CH 3 S(O) 2 SCH 3 and the products formed provide further information on the nature of the secondary chemistry. A comprehensive reaction mechanism has been proposed.