The HOX⋯SO₂ (X=F, Cl, Br, I) Binary Complexes: Implications for Atmospheric Chemistry

Abstract

Sulfur dioxide and hypohalous acids (HOX, X=F, Cl, Br, I) are ubiquitous molecules in the atmosphere that are central to important processes like seasonal ozone depletion, acid rain, and cloud nucleation. We present the first theoretical examination of the HOX⋯SO2 binary complexes and the associated trends due to halogen substitution. Reliable geometries were optimized at the CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pV(T+d)Z level of theory for HOF and HOCl complexes. The HOBr and HOI complexes were optimized at the CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pV(D+d)Z level of theory with the exception of the Br and I atoms which were modeled with an aug‐cc‐pwCVDZ‐PP pseudopotential. 27 HOX⋯SO2 complexes were characterized and the focal point method was employed to produce CCSDT(Q)/CBS interaction energies. Natural Bond Orbital analysis and Symmetry Adapted Perturbation Theory were used to classify the nature of each principle interaction. The interaction energies of all HOX⋯SO2 complexes in this study ranged from 1.35 to 3.81 kcal mol−1. The single‐interaction hydrogen bonded complexes spanned a range of 2.62 to 3.07 kcal mol−1, while the single‐interaction halogen bonded complexes were far more sensitive to halogen substitution ranging from 1.35 to 3.06 kcal mol−1, indicating that the two types of interactions are extremely competitive for heavier halogens. Our results provide insight into the interactions between HOX and SO2 which may guide further research of related systems.