Laboratory experiments have recently been completed that isolate ozone formation channels for specific oxygen atoms and molecules. Results are expressed as ozone formation rate coefficients which describe how fast a certain reaction will proceed. The results will considerably advance our understanding of the large isotope effect in heavy ozone that has puzzled scientists for almost two decades. Rate coefficients and their interpretation are published in Science Vol.
Ozone is a unique molecule containing three oxygen atoms that form an isosceles open triangle.
50 O 3 when compared to 48 O 3 . The new rate coefficients contradict the role of molecular symmetry in the ozone formation process. Single, specific reaction channels are responsible for the enrichments of certain heavy ozone molecules. Future research must investigate how the new rule for ozone molecule formation will apply to other processes. Ozone specific research should extend the rate coefficient studies to cover as many additional formation channels as possible.