Quantum tunnelling enhances ozone decay
The OH + HCl → H2O + Cl reaction rate is boosted by strong hydrogen bonding, which generates quantum transition states
A computational study has revealed the nature of quantum tunnelling that occurs in a reaction linked to the ozone hole in Earth’s stratosphere. The OH + HCl → H2O + Cl reaction is important because it releases chlorine atoms, which catalyse the destruction of ozone.