Inhibition of the S(IV) Autoxidation in the Atmosphere by Secondary Terpenic Compounds

To better understand the role of terpenic compounds in atmospheric chemistry the influence of sobrerol, a water-soluble product of photochemical autoxidation or ozonolysis of -pinene, on the rate of S(IV) autoxidation was studied. Laboratory experiments were performed under heterogeneous conditions, at constant supply with S(IV) by dissolution of CaSO₃.1/2 H₂O fine particles and with air oxygen by diffusion through a planar gas-liquid interface. The progress of S(IV) autoxidation, uncatalysed or catalysed by Fe₂(SO₄)₃ or CoSO₄, was followed conductometrically. The inhibiting effect of sobrerol was discussed in terms of the chain reaction terminated in a step linear with respect to sulphoxy radicals. A method was proposed for quantification of the inhibiting effect and the rate constant (2.0–3.8)10⁸ M^–1s^–1 was given for the step eliminating sulphate radicals. Further consequences of the inhibition: shifting the reaction locus from the gas-liquid (droplet) interface to the liquid (droplet) bulk and strong oscillations in the rate of S(IV) autoxidation resulting of the activity of sobrerol-derived radicals were also shown.