Theoretical and experimental study of peroxy and alkoxy radicals in the NO3-initiated oxidation of isoprene.

The initial stages of the nitrate radical (NO3) initiated oxidation of isoprene, in particular the fate of the peroxy (RO2) and alkoxy (RO) radicals, are examined by an extensive set of quantum chemical and theoretical kinetic calculations. It is shown that the oxidation mechanism is highly complex, and bears similarities to its OH-initiated oxidation mechanism as studied intensively over the last decade. The nascent nitrated RO2 radicals can interconvert by successive O2 addition/elimination reactions, and potentially have access to a wide range of unimolecular reactions with rate coefficients as high as 35 s-1; the contribution of this chemistry could not be ascertained experimentally. The chemistry of the alkoxy radicals derived from these peroxy radicals is affected by the nitrate moiety, and can lead to the formation of nitrated epoxy peroxy radicals in competition with isomerisation and decomposition channels that terminate the organic radical chain by NO2 elimination. The theoretical predictions are implemented in the FZJ-NO3-isoprene mechanism for NO3-initiated atmospheric oxidation of isoprene. The model predictions are compared against peroxy radical (RO2) and methyl vinyl ketone (MVK) measurements in a set of experiments on the isoprene + NO3 reaction system performed in the SAPHIR environmental chamber (IsopNO3 campaign). It is shown that the formation of NO2 from the peroxy radicals can prevent a large fraction of the peroxy radicals from being measured by the laser-induced fluorescence (ROxLIF) technique that relies on a quantitative conversion of peroxy radicals to hydroxyl radicals. Accounting for the relative conversion efficiency of RO2 species in the experiments, the agreement between observations and the theory-based FZJ-NO3-isoprene model predictions improves significantly. In addition, MVK formation in the NO3-initiated oxidation was found to be suppressed by the epoxidation of the unsaturated RO radical intermediates, allowing the model-predicted MVK concentrations to be in good agreement with the measurements. The FZJ-NO3-isoprene mechanism is compared against the MCM v3.3.1 and Wennberg et al. (2018) mechanisms.

Products and mechanism of the OH-initiated photo-oxidation of perfluoro ethyl vinyl ether, C2F5OCF[double bond, length as m-dash]CF2.

The OH-initiated photo-oxidation of perfluoro ethyl vinyl ether (C2F5OCF[double bond, length as m-dash]CF2, PEVE) in air (298 K, 50 and 750 Torr total pressure) was studied in a photochemical reactor using in situ detection of PEVE and its products by Fourier transform IR absorption spectroscopy. The relative rate technique was used to derive the rate coefficient, k1, for the reaction of PEVE with OH as k1 = (2.8 ± 0.3) × 10-12 cm3 molecule-1 s-1. The photo-oxidation of PEVE in the presence of NOx at 1 bar results in formation of C2F5OCFO, FC(O)C(O)F and CF2O in molar yields of 0.50 ± 0.07, 0.46 ± 0.07 and 1.50 ± 0.22, respectively. FC(O)C(O)F and CF2O are formed partially in secondary, most likely heterogeneous processes. At a reduced pressure of 50 Torr, the product distribution is shifted towards formation of FC(O)C(O)F, indicating the important role of collisional quenching of initially formed association complexes, and enabling details of the reaction mechanism to be elucidated. An atmospheric photo-oxidation mechanism for PEVE is presented and the environmental implications of PEVE release and degradation are discussed.

Absolute and relative-rate measurement of the rate coefficient for reaction of perfluoro ethyl vinyl ether (C2F5OCF[double bond, length as m-dash]CF2) with OH.

The rate coefficient (k1) for the reaction of OH radicals with perfluoro ethyl vinyl ether (PEVE, C2F5OCF[double bond, length as m-dash]CF2) has been measured as a function of temperature (T = 207-300 K) using the technique of pulsed laser photolysis with detection of OH by laser-induced fluorescence (PLP-LIF) at pressures of 50 or 100 Torr N2 bath gas. In addition, the rate coefficient was measured at 298 K and in one atmosphere of air by the relative-rate technique with loss of PEVE and reference reactant monitored in situ by IR absorption spectroscopy. The rate coefficient has a negative temperature dependence which can be parameterized as: k1(T) = 6.0 × 10-13 exp[(480 ± 38/T)] cm3 molecule-1 s-1 and a room temperature value of k1 (298 K) = (3.0 ± 0.3) × 10-12 cm3 molecule-1 s-1. Highly accurate rate coefficients from the PLP-LIF experiments were achieved by optical on-line measurements of PEVE and by performing the measurements at two different apparatuses. The large rate coefficient and the temperature dependence indicate that the reaction proceeds via OH addition to the C[double bond, length as m-dash]C double bond, the high pressure limit already being reached at 50 Torr N2. Based on the rate coefficient and average OH levels, the atmospheric lifetime of PEVE was estimated to be a few days.

Adsorption isotherms for hydrogen chloride (HCl) on ice surfaces between 190 and 220 K.

The interaction of hydrogen chloride (HCl) with ice surfaces at temperatures between 190 and 220 K was investigated using a coated-wall flow-tube connected to a chemical ionization mass spectrometer. Equilibrium surface coverages of HCl were determined at gas phase concentrations as low as 2 × 10(9) molecules cm(-3) (∼4 × 10(-8) Torr at 200 K) to derive Langmuir adsorption isotherms. The data are described by a temperature independent partition coefficient: KLang = (3.7 ± 0.2) × 10(-11) cm(3) molecule(-1) with a saturation surface coverage Nmax = (2.0 ± 0.2) × 10(14) molecules cm(-2). The lack of a systematic dependence of KLang on temperature contrasts the behaviour of numerous trace gases which adsorb onto ice via hydrogen bonding and is most likely related to the ionization of HCl at the surface. The results are compared to previous laboratory studies, and the equilibrium partitioning of HCl to ice surfaces under conditions relevant to the atmosphere is evaluated.

Theoretical study of the OH-initiated atmospheric oxidation mechanism of perfluoro methyl vinyl ether, CF3OCF=CF2.

Product formation in the reaction of perfluorinated methyl vinyl ether, CF3OCF=CF2, with OH radicals is studied theoretically using the M06-2X/aug-cc-pVTZ and CCSD(T) levels of theory. The stable end-products in an oxidative atmosphere are predicted to be perfluorinated methyl formate, CF3OCFO, and fluorinated glycolaldehyde, CFOCF2OH, both with CF2O as coproduct. The prediction of glycolaldehyde as a product contrasts with experimental data, which found perfluoro glyoxal, CFOCFO, instead. The most likely explanation for this apparent disagreement is conversion of CFOCF2OH to CFOCFO, e.g. by multiple catalytic agents present in the reaction mixture, wall reactions, and/or photolysis. The formation routes for the glyoxal product proposed in earlier work appear unlikely, and are not supported by theoretical or related experimental work.

Correction: Kinetics and mechanism of the reaction of perfluoro propyl vinyl ether (PPVE, C3F7OCH[double bond, length as m-dash]CH2) with OH: assessment of its fate in the atmosphere.

Correction for 'Kinetics and mechanism of the reaction of perfluoro propyl vinyl ether (PPVE, C3F7OCH[double bond, length as m-dash]CH2) with OH: assessment of its fate in the atmosphere' by D. Amedro et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, 17, 18558-18566.

Kinetics and mechanism of the reaction of perfluoro propyl vinyl ether (PPVE, C3F7OCH=CH2) with OH: assessment of its fate in the atmosphere.

Absolute rate coefficients for the reaction between OH radicals and perfluoro propyl vinyl ether (PPVE) were obtained using the technique of pulsed laser photolysis with the detection of OH radicals by laser induced fluorescence. Rate coefficients were measured over a range of temperatures (212-298 K) and at either 50 or 200 Torr bath-gas (N2 or N2/O2). The temperature dependence of the rate coefficient is given by k1(212-298 K) = (4.88 ± 0.49) × 10(-13) exp[(564 ± 10)/T] cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) with a value at room temperature of (3.4 ± 0.3) × 10(-12) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1). No pressure dependence was observed, indicating that the reaction is at the high pressure limit under atmospheric conditions. The accuracy of the rate coefficient obtained was enhanced by on-line optical absorption measurements of PPVE at 184.95 nm using a value of σ(184.95 nm) = (5.64 ± 0.28) × 10(-18) cm(2) molecule(-1) determined in this work. An atmospheric lifetime of a few days for PPVE was calculated. Extensive quantum chemical calculations as a complement to the experimental work are presented in order to determine its probable tropospheric degradation mechanism.

Pressure dependent OH yields in the reactions of CH3CO and HOCH2CO with O2.

OH-formation in the reactions of CH3CO (R1) and HOCH2CO (R4) with O2 was studied in He, N2 and air (27 to 400 mbar) using OH-detection by laser induced fluorescence (LIF). 248 nm laser photolysis of COCl2 in the presence of CH3CHO or HOCH2CHO was used as source of the acyl radicals CH3CO and HOCH2CO. The LIF-system was calibrated in back-to-back experiments by the 248 nm laser photolysis of H2O2 as OH radical precursor. A straight-forward analytical expression was used to derive OH yields (α) for both reactions. A Stern-Volmer-analysis results in α1b(-1)(N2) = 1 + (9.4 ± 1.7) × 10(-18) cm(3) molecule(-1) × [M], α1b(-1)(He) = 1 + (3.6 ± 0.6) × 10(-18) cm(3) molecule(-1) × [M] and α4b(-1)(N2) = 1 + (1.85 ± 0.38) × 10(-18) cm(3) molecule(-1) × [M]. Our results for CH3CO are compared to the previous (divergent) literature values whilst that for HOCH2CO, for which no previous data were available, provide some insight into the factors controlling the yield of OH in these reactions.

Direct kinetic study of OH and O3 formation in the reaction of CH3C(O)O2 with HO2.

The reaction between HO2 and CH3C(O)O2 has three exothermic product channels, forming OH (R3a), peracetic acid (R3b), and acetic acid plus O3 (R3c). The branching ratios of the OH- and ozone-forming reaction channels were determined using a combination of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF, for time-resolved OH concentration measurement) and transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS, for time-resolved O3 concentration measurement) following pulsed laser generation of HO2 and CH3C(O)O2 from suitable precursors. TAS was also used to determine the initial concentration of the reactant peroxy radicals. The data were evaluated by numerical simulation using kinetic models of the measured concentration profiles; a Monte Carlo approach was used to estimate the uncertainties of the rate constants (k3) and branching ratios (α) thus obtained. The reaction channel forming OH (R3a) was found to be the most important with α3a = 0.61 ± 0.09 and α3c = 0.16 ± 0.08. The overall rate coefficient of the title reaction was found to be k3 = (2.1 ± 0.4) × 10(-11) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) for both HO2 and DO2. Use of DO2 resulted in an increase in α3a to 0.80 ± 0.14. Comparison with former studies shows that OH formation via (R3) has been underestimated significantly to date. Possible reasons for these discrepancies and atmospheric implications are discussed.

Pressure dependent photolysis quantum yields for CH3C(O)CH3 at 300 and 308 nm and at 298 and 228 K.

The quantum yield of formation of CH3 and CH3CO in the pulsed laser photo-excitation of acetone at 300 and 308 nm was investigated at several pressures (60 to 740 Torr) and at either 298 or 228 K. The organic radicals generated were monitored indirectly following conversion (by reaction with Br2) to Br atoms, which were detected by resonance fluorescence. The photolysis of Cl2 in back-to-back experiments at the same wavelength and under identical experimental conditions served as chemical actinometer. The pressure and temperature dependent quantum yields obtained with this method are in good agreement with previous literature values and are reproduced using the parameterisation developed by Blitz et al. The Br formation kinetics deviated from that expected from reactions of CH3 and CH3CO alone and Br atoms were still observed at high yield even when the quantum yield of formation of CH3 and CH3CO was low. This is explained by the reactive quenching of thermalized triplet acetone (T1) by Br2. High yields of T1 (>80%) at the highest pressure in this study indicate that any dissociation from the first excited singlet state (S1) occurs in competition with intersystem crossing, and that physical quenching of S1 to the electronic ground (S0) is not a major process at these wavelengths. The rate coefficient for reaction of T1 with Br2 was found to be ∼3 × 10(-10) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), independent of pressure or temperature.

Kinetics and mechanism of the heterogeneous reaction of N2O5 with mineral dust particles.

The heterogeneous interaction of N2O5 with Saharan dust particles was investigated using aerosol flow tubes with detection of N2O5 by cavity-ring-down spectroscopy. The uptake coefficient, γ, was determined to be 0.02 ± 0.01 on airborne Saharan dust particles, independent of relative humidity (RH, 0-67%) and initial N2O5 concentration (5 × 10(11)-3 × 10(13) molecule cm(-3)). Analysis of gas- and particulate phase products suggests that N2O5 undergoes heterogeneous hydrolysis forming particulate nitrate. The independence of γ on the initial N2O5 concentration indicates that, on the seconds time scale of these experiments, the heterogeneous reaction of N2O5 with dust particles is not restricted to the external particle surface but internal reactive sites are also available. The particles could be deactivated with respect to N2O5 uptake only when pre-treated with very high levels of HNO3.

The interaction of H(2)O(2) with ice surfaces between 203 and 233 K.

The interaction of H(2)O(2) with ice surfaces at temperatures between 203 and 233 K was investigated using a low pressure, coated-wall flow tube equipped with a chemical ionisation/electron impact mass spectrometer. Equilibrium surface coverages of H(2)O(2) on ice were measured at various concentrations and temperatures to derive Langmuir-type adsorption isotherms. H(2)O(2) was found to be strongly partitioned to the ice surface at low temperatures, with a partition coefficient, K(linC), equal to 2.1 × 10(-5) exp(3800/T) cm. At 228 K, this expression results in values of K(linC) which are orders of magnitude larger than the single previous determination and suggests that H(2)O(2) may be significantly partitioned to the ice phase in cirrus clouds. The partition coefficient for H(2)O(2) was compared to several other trace gases which hydrogen-bond to ice surfaces and a good correlation with the free energy of condensation found. For this class of trace gas a simple parameterisation for calculating K(linC)(T) from thermodynamic properties was established.

Photolysis of CH3COCH3 at 248 and 266 nm: pressure and temperature dependent overall quantum yields.

The overall quantum yield of photolysis of acetone (CH(3)C(O)CH(3)) at 248 and 266 nm was measured using the pulsed laser photolysis technique. The organic photo-fragment radicals CH(3) and CH(3)CO were detected indirectly as Br atoms using time-resolved resonance fluorescence following their reaction with Br(2). Quantum yields for acetone photolysis were derived relative to COCl(2) (at 248 nm) or Cl(2) (at 266 nm) in back-to-back experiments in which Cl atoms were scavenged by Br(2) to form Br. At 248 nm, experiments were carried out at pressures between 60 and 760 Torr of N(2) and at three temperatures: 224, 234 and 298 K. At this wavelength, the overall quantum yield was 0.98 +/- 0.10 and, within experimental uncertainty, was independent of pressure and temperature in the ranges covered. At 266 nm, experiments were restricted to 298 K, where the quantum yield was also close to unity, but with a weak dependence on bath gas pressure. These results confirm our previous room temperature, 266 nm dataset obtained using a different experimental approach in which the yield of CH(3) was measured directly.

Atmospheric oxidation capacity sustained by a tropical forest.

Terrestrial vegetation, especially tropical rain forest, releases vast quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to the atmosphere, which are removed by oxidation reactions and deposition of reaction products. The oxidation is mainly initiated by hydroxyl radicals (OH), primarily formed through the photodissociation of ozone. Previously it was thought that, in unpolluted air, biogenic VOCs deplete OH and reduce the atmospheric oxidation capacity. Conversely, in polluted air VOC oxidation leads to noxious oxidant build-up by the catalytic action of nitrogen oxides (NO(x) = NO + NO2). Here we report aircraft measurements of atmospheric trace gases performed over the pristine Amazon forest. Our data reveal unexpectedly high OH concentrations. We propose that natural VOC oxidation, notably of isoprene, recycles OH efficiently in low-NO(x) air through reactions of organic peroxy radicals. Computations with an atmospheric chemistry model and the results of laboratory experiments suggest that an OH recycling efficiency of 40-80 per cent in isoprene oxidation may be able to explain the high OH levels we observed in the field. Although further laboratory studies are necessary to explore the chemical mechanism responsible for OH recycling in more detail, our results demonstrate that the biosphere maintains a remarkable balance with the atmospheric environment.

Interaction of formic and acetic acid with ice surfaces between 187 and 227 K. Investigation of single species- and competitive adsorption.

The physical adsorption of formic (HC(O)OH) and acetic (CH(3)C(O)OH) acid on ice was measured as a function of concentration and temperature. At low concentrations, the gas-ice interaction could be analysed by applying Langmuir adsorption isotherms to determine temperature dependent partition constants, K(Lang). Using temperature independent saturation coverages (N(max)) of (2.2 +/- 0.5) x 10(14) molecule cm(-2) and (2.4 +/- 0.6) x 10(14) molecule cm(-2) for HC(O)OH and CH(3)C(O)OH, respectively, we derive K(Lang)(HC(O)OH) = 1.54 x 10(-24) exp (6150/T) and K(Lang)(CH(3)C(O)OH) = 6.55 x 10(-25) exp (6610/T) cm(3) molecule(-1). Via a van't Hoff analysis, adsorption enthalpies were obtained for HC(O)OH and CH(3)C(O)OH. Experiments in which both acids or HC(O)OH and methanol interacted with the ice surface simultaneously were adequately described by competitive adsorption kinetics. The results are compared to previous measurements and used to calculate the equilibrium partitioning of these trace gases to ice surfaces under conditions relevant to the atmosphere.

Photolysis of CH3C(O)CH3 (248 nm, 266 nm), CH3C(O)C2H5 (248 nm) and CH3C(O)Br (248 nm): pressure dependent quantum yields of CH3 formation.

The formation of CH(3) in the 248 or 266 nm photolysis of acetone (CH(3)C(O)CH(3)), 2-butanone (methylethylketone, MEK, CH(3)C(O)C(2)H(5)) and acetyl bromide (CH(3)C(O)Br) was examined using the pulsed photolytic generation of the radical and its detection by transient absorption spectroscopy at 216.4 nm. Experiments were carried out at room temperature (298 +/- 3 K) and at pressures between approximately 5 and 1500 Torr N(2). Quantum yields for CH(3) formation were derived relative to CH(3)I photolysis at the same wavelength in back-to-back experiments. For acetone at 248 nm, the yield of CH(3) was greater than unity at low pressures (1.42 +/- 0.15 extrapolated to zero pressure) confirming that a substantial fraction of the CH(3)CO co-product can dissociate to CH(3) + CO under these conditions. At pressures close to atmospheric the quantum yield approached unity, indicative of almost complete collisional relaxation of the CH(3)CO radical. Measurements of increasing CH(3)CO yield with pressure confirmed this. Contrasting results were obtained at 266 nm, where the yields of CH(3) (and CH(3)CO) were close to unity (0.93 +/- 0.1) and independent of pressure, strongly suggesting that nascent CH(3)CO is insufficiently activated to decompose on the time scales of these experiments at 298 K. In the 248 nm photolysis of CH(3)C(O)Br, CH(3) was observed with a pressure independent quantum yield of 0.92 +/- 0.1 and CH(3)CO remained below the detection limit, suggesting that CH(3)CO generated from CH(3)COBr photolysis at 248 nm is too highly activated to be quenched by collision. Similar to CH(3)C(O)CH(3), the photolysis of CH(3)C(O)C(2)H(5) at 248 nm revealed pressure dependent yields of CH(3), decreasing from 0.45 at zero pressure to 0.19 at pressures greater than 1000 Torr with a concomitant increase in the CH(3)CO yield. As part of this study, the absorption cross section of CH(3) at 216.4 nm (instrumental resolution of 0.5 nm) was measured to be (4.27 +/- 0.2) x 10(-17) cm(2) molecule(-1) and that of C(2)H(5) at 222 nm was (2.5 +/- 0.6) x 10(-18) cm(2) molecule(-1). An absorption spectrum of gas-phase CH(3)C(O)Br (210-305 nm) is also reported for the first time.

Heterogeneous reactions of HOI, ICl and IBr on sea salt and sea salt proxies.

The heterogeneous chemistry of HOI, ICl and IBr on sea salt and sea salt proxies has been studied at 274 K using two experimental approaches: a wetted wall flow tube coupled to an electron impact mass spectrometer (WWFT-MS) and an aerosol flow tube (AFT) coupled to a differential mobility analyser (DMA) and a chemical ionisation mass spectrometer (CIMS). Uptake of all three title molecules into bulk aqueous halide salt films was rapid and controlled by gas phase diffusion. Uptake of HOI gave rise to gas-phase ICl and IBr, with the latter being the predominant product whenever Br(-) was present. Only partial release of IBr was observed due to high solubility of dihalogens in the film. ICl uptake gave the same yield of IBr as HOI uptake. Uptake of ICl on NaBr aerosol was accommodation limited with alpha = 0.018 +/- 0.004 and gas phase IBr product has a yield of 0.6 +/- 0.3. The results show that HOI can act as a catalyst for activation of bromine from sea-salt aerosols in the marine boundary layer, via the reactions: HOI(aq) + Cl + H--> ICl(aq) + H(2)O(l) and ICl(aq) + Br--> IBr(aq) + Cl.

Absorption cross section and photolysis of OIO.

Pulsed laser photolysis combined with transient absorption spectroscopy and resonance fluorescence was used to examine the photolysis of OIO at a number of wavelengths corresponding to absorption bands in its visible spectrum between approximately 530 and 570 nm. Photolysis at 532 nm was found to result in substantial depopulation of the absorbing ground state, enabling an estimate for the absorption cross section of OIO at 610.2 nm of (6 +/- 2) x 10(-18) cm2 molecule(-1) to be obtained. No evidence was found for I atom formation following photolysis of OIO at 532, 562.3, 567.9 and 573.8 nm, enabling an upper limit to the I atom quantum yield of < 0.05 (560-580 nm) and < 0.24 (532 nm) to be established.

Kinetics of the reactions of HO with methanol (210-351 K) and with ethanol (216-368 K).

Absolute rate coefficients for the reaction of hydroxyl radicals (HO) with methanol, HO + CH3OH --> products (R1), and with ethanol, HO + C2H5OH --> products (R2) were measured over a range of temperatures using pulsed laser photolytic generation of HO coupled to its time resolved detection by pulsed laser induced fluorescence. The accuracy of the rate constants obtained was enhanced by on-line optical absorption measurements of the alcohol concentration. The temperature dependence of the rate coefficients is given by: k1(210-351 K) = 6.67 x 10(-18) T2 exp(140/T) cm3 molecule(-1) s(-1) with a rate coefficient at room temperature of (9.3 +/- 0.7) x 10(-13) cm3 molecule(-1) s(-1). For k2 we obtained: k2(216-368 K) = 4.0 x 10(-12) exp(-42/T) and a room temperature rate coefficient of (3.35 +/- 0.17) x 10(-12) cm3 molecule(-1) s(-1). The total error (at 95% confidence) associated with the rate coefficients derived from the expressions describing the temperature dependence is estimated as 7% at all temperatures. The present results, which extend the database on these reactions to cover temperatures relevant for the upper troposphere, are compared to previously published measurements, and values of k1 and k2 are recommended for atmospheric modelling.

The position dependent 15N enrichment of nitrous oxide in the stratosphere.

The position dependent 15N fractionation of nitrous oxide (N2O), which cannot be obtained from mass spectrometric analysis on molecular N2O itself, can be determined with high precision using isotope ratio mass spectrometry on the NO+ fragment that is formed on electron impact in the source of an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Laboratory UV photolysis experiments show that strong position dependent 15N fractionations occur in the photolysis of N2O in the stratosphere, its major atmospheric sink. Measurements on the isotopic composition of stratospheric N2O indeed confirm the presence of strong isotope enrichments, in particular the difference in the fractionation constants for 15N14NO and 14N15NO. The absolute magnitudes of the fractionation constants found in the stratosphere are much smaller, however, than those found in the lab experiments, demonstrating the importance of dynamical and also additional chemical processes like the reaction of N2O with O(1D).