A single chlorine atom can destroy how many ozone molecules?

A single chlorine atom can destroy a vast number of ozone molecules, up to 100,000. This occurs through a catalytic reaction process where chlorine atoms participate in a cycle of reactions that breaks down ozone (O3) into oxygen (O2).

When a chlorine atom encounters an ozone molecule, it reacts to form chlorine monoxide (ClO) and releases a molecule of oxygen. The chlorine monoxide can then react with a free oxygen atom to regenerate the chlorine atom, allowing it to continue the cycle. Each chlorine atom can thus repeat this process many times before it is eventually removed from the atmosphere through other reactions. The high potential for ozone destruction highlights the significant environmental impact that a relatively small number of chlorine atoms can have, especially in the context of ozone layer depletion.