Premium
Photodissociation of methyl chloride and methyl bromide in the atmosphere
Author(s) -
Robbins Donald E.
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/gl003i004p00213
Subject(s) - photodissociation , halide , halogen , bromide , stratosphere , bromine , chloride , ozone , photochemistry , ozone depletion , halocarbon , chemistry , atmosphere (unit) , ultraviolet , atmospheric chemistry , inorganic chemistry , materials science , meteorology , organic chemistry , physics , alkyl , optoelectronics
Methyl chloride (CH 3 Cl) and methyl bromide (CH 3 Br) have been suggested to be significant sources of the stratospheric halogens. The breakup of these compounds in the stratosphere by photodissociation or reaction with OH releases halogen atoms which catalytically destroy ozone. Experimental results are presented for ultraviolet photoabsorption cross sections of CH 3 Cl and CH 3 Br. Calculations are presented of loss rates for the methyl halides due to photodissociation and reaction with OH and of mixing ratios of these species in the stratosphere.