In biology, the reaction of ONOO − with CO 2 is the main sink for ONOO − . This reaction yields CO 3•− , NO 2 • , NO 3 − , and CO 2 . There is a long-standing debate with respect to the yield of the radicals relative to ONOO − . The reaction of ONOO − with CO 2 results at first in ONOOCO 2− . According to one hypothesis, ONOOCO 2 − is extremely short-lived and devolves into a solvent cage that contains CO 3•− and NO 2 • . Of these solvent cages, approximately two/thirds result in NO 3 − and CO 2 , and approximately one/third release CO 3and NO 2• that oxidize the substrate. According to our hypothesis, ONOOCO 2 − is formed much faster, is relatively long-lived, and may also be an oxidant; the limited yield is the result of ONOOCO 2− being scavenged by a second CO 2 under conditions of a high CO 2 concentration. We disagree with the first hypothesis for three reasons: First, it is based on an estimated K for the reaction of ONOO − with CO 2 to form ONOOCO 2 − of ∼1 M −1 , while experiments yield a value of 4.5 × 10 3 M −1 . Second, we argue that the solvent cage as proposed is physically not realistic. Given the less than diffusion-controlled rate constant of CO 3•− with NO 2• , all radicals would escape from the solvent cage. Third, the reported ∼33% radical is not supported by an experiment where mass balance was established. We propose here a hybrid mechanism. After formation of ONOOCO 2 − , it undergoes homolysis to yield CO 3 •− with NO 2• , or, depending on [CO 2 ], it is scavenged by a second CO 2 ; CO 3 •− oxidizes ONOO − , if present. These reactions allow us to successfully simulate the reaction of ONOO − with CO 2 over a wide range of ONOO − /CO 2 ratios. At lower ratios, fewer radicals are formed, while at higher ratios, radical yields between 30% and 40% are predicted. The differences in radical yields reported may thus be traced to the experimental ONOO − /CO 2 ratios. Given a physiological [CO 2 ] of 1.3 mM, the yield of CO 3•− and NO 2• is 19%, and lower if ONOOCO 2 − has a significant reactivity of its own.