The reaction O2(ν) + O2(ν = 0) → O3(X1A1) + O(3P) is studied by quantum time-dependent and time-independent methods, for high vibrational excitation of one of the reactants. State-selected reaction rate constants are computed showing evidence of reaction but their values are too small to explain previous experimental measurements. © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.