Uptake of trace gases by (stratospheric aerosol can be significant particularly after large injections of volcanic sulphur. A theoretical scheme is presented to quantify the rate at which trace gases diffuse into these aerosol droplets. Rate constants for 19 trace gases are calculated and it is found that the rates vary from a value of 2.85 × 10-7s-1 for CC14 to 8.08 × 10-7s-1 for NO. The calculations are characterised by their ease of application and can be incorporated into stratospheric chemical models. © 1993 Indian Academy of Sciences.