The gas-phase formation mechanism of iodic acid as an atmospheric aerosol source

Iodine is a reactive trace element in atmospheric chemistry that destroys ozone and nucleates particles. Iodine emissions have tripled since 1950 and are projected to keep increasing with rising O₃ surface concentrations. Although iodic acid (HIO₃) is widespread and forms particles more efficiently than sulfuric acid, its gas-phase formation mechanism remains unresolved. Here, in CLOUD atmospheric simulation chamber experiments that generate iodine radicals at atmospherically relevant rates, we show that iodooxy hypoiodite, IOIO, is efficiently converted into HIO₃ via reactions (R1) IOIO + O₃ → IOIO₄ and (R2) IOIO₄ + H₂O → HIO₃ + HOI + ⁽¹⁾O₂. The laboratory-derived reaction rate coefficients are corroborated by theory and shown to explain field observations of daytime HIO₃ in the remote lower free troposphere. The mechanism provides a missing link between iodine sources and particle formation. Because particulate iodate is readily reduced, recycling iodine back into the gas phase, our results suggest a catalytic role of iodine in aerosol formation.