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Hydroxyl Radical Quantum Yields from Isopropyl Nitrite Photolysis in Air

Authors :
Jonathan D. Raff
Barbara J. Finlayson-Pitts
Source :
Environmental Science & Technology. 44:8150-8155
Publication Year :
2010
Publisher :
American Chemical Society (ACS), 2010.

Abstract

Alkyl nitrites photolyze in air to yield alkoxy radicals and NO which, through secondary reactions, generate OH radicals. This photochemistry is important in the atmosphere and in laboratory studies where nitrites are often used as a source of OH. The overall quantum yield for hydroxyl radical formation from irradiation of isopropyl nitrite (i-C(3)H(7)ONO) between 300 and 425 nm in 1 atm air at 296 ± 2 K is reported for the first time. The OH radical was scavenged by reaction with CF(3)CF═CF(2) and the formation of CF(3)CFO and CF(2)O monitored as a function of time using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The quantum yield was found to be 0.54 ± 0.07 (2σ) and is independent of whether or not NO was added (up to 3 × 10(14) molecules cm(-3)) prior to photolysis to increase NO concentrations above those due to the photolysis of the nitrite. Ultraviolet-visible and infrared cross sections of i-C(3)H(7)ONO are also reported. These data on the OH quantum yields as well as the UV-visible and infrared cross sections for isopropyl nitrite are critical for quantitatively interpreting the results of laboratory studies where i-C(3)H(7)ONO is employed as an OH source as well as for assessing the role of alkyl nitrites in the chemistry of the troposphere.

Details

ISSN :
15205851 and 0013936X
Volume :
44
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Environmental Science & Technology
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....ae6f696c118f1775a74813739aa76cb2
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1021/es102218d