The reaction of NH3 with •OH or SO4
•- radicals produces the aminyl radical, •NH2. Pulse radiolysis and
laser flash photolysis techniques were utilized to study the formation of this radical, its absorption spectrum,
its reaction with O2, and the mechanism of formation of subsequent intermediates and the main final product,
peroxynitrite. The rates of formation of •NH2 and its absorption spectrum are in agreement with previous
reports. The reaction of •NH2 with O2, however, was observed to take place much more rapidly than reported
before and to involve an equilibrium of these reactants with the aminylperoxyl radical, NH2O2
•. The equilibrium
is shifted toward completion of the reaction via catalyzed decomposition of this peroxyl radical, and this
decomposition affects the observed rate of reaction of •NH2 with O2. The peroxyl radical deprotonates and
isomerizes and finally forms NO. In the presence of O2
•-, NO is converted rapidly to peroxynitrite, ONO2
-.
This product, which is stable at alkaline pH, was confirmed by γ-radiolysis of aerated ammonia solutions.