UV catalyst

[Jack Papciak 2F]

In class we did an example of catalysts where UV light helped convert oxygen to ozone. Is UV light the catalyst in this example or is it another chemical species?

[Justin Chang 2K]

NO is the catalyst. The reaction needs to occur under UV light.

[Justin Lau 1D]

UV light isn't a catalyst but something that provides energy to activate the reaction. NO is the catalyst in this reaction.

[Justin Chang 2K]

This is the steps:
NO+1/2 O^2-->NO^2
NO^2--> NO + O (under UV light)
O + O^2 --> O^3

Overall: 3/2 O^2--> O^3

NO is the catalyst because it is first consumed, and then produced.
NO2 is the intermediate it is first produced, and then consumed.