Reaction of NO with hypochlorous acid

The reaction between NO(g) at concentrations between 0.1 and 1.0 Torr in 1‐atm N2 and aqueous solutions of NaClO has been studied over the pH range of 6–12 and hypochlorite concentrations between 0.01 and 1.0M. A very rapid and efficient reaction occurs leading to the production of about 30%–40% of the NO as NO2 and with conversions of NO up to 98% at about 1‐sec contact time. It is shown that a fast chain reaction initiated by the endothermic step equation image can account for the data. The very exothermic reaction NO + ClO− → NO2 + Cl− is shown to be at least 30‐fold slower than i. The overall reaction seems very promising as a method of reducing NO and NO2 emissions from the exhausts of industrial plants.