Final answer:
Hydroxyl radicals do not directly deplete the ozone layer; instead, they catalyze the breakdown of ozone through a chain reaction involving chlorine and bromine.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hydroxyl radicals do not directly deplete the ozone layer. Instead, they play a role in the destruction of ozone by catalyzing the breakdown of ozone molecules through a chain reaction involving other chemicals such as chlorine and bromine.
When hydroxyl (OH) radicals react with chlorine or bromine molecules, they convert them into highly reactive chlorine (Cl) or bromine (Br) radicals. These radicals then go on to break down ozone molecules (O3) into oxygen molecules (O2). The chlorine or bromine radicals are regenerated in subsequent reactions, allowing them to continue the cycle of ozone destruction.