Geert K. Moortgat

The Nitrate Radical: Physics, Chemistry and the Atmosphere

Abstract This review surveys the present state of knowledge of the nitrate (NO 3 radical. Laboratory data on the physics and chemistry of the radical and atmospheric determination of the concentrations of the radical are both considered. One aim of the review is to highlight the relationship between the laboratory and the atmospheric studies. Although the emphasis of the review is on gas-phase processes, relevant studies conducted in condensed phases are mentioned because of their potential importance in the interpretation of cloud and aerosol chemistry. The spectroscopy, structure, and photochemistry of the radical are examined. Here, the object is to establich the spectroscopic basis for detection of the radical and measurement of its concentration in the laboratory and in the atmosphere. Infrared, visible, and paramagnetic resonance spectra are considered. An important quantity discussed is the absorption cross section in the visible region, which is required for quantitative measurements. Interpretation of the spectroscopic features requires an understanding of the geometrical and electronic structure of the radical in its ground and excited states; there is still some controversy about the groundstate geometry, but the most recent experimental evidence 9eg from laser induced fluorescence) and theoretical calculations suggest that the radical has D 3h symmetry. Photodissociation of the radical is important in the atmosphere, and the product channels, quantum yields, and dissociation dynamics are discussed. A short examination of the thermodynamics (heat and entropy of formation) of the radical is presented. The main exposition of laboratory studies of the chemistry of the nitrate radical is preceded by a consideration of the techniques used for kinetic and mechanistic studies. Methods for the generation and detection of the radical and the kinetic tools employed are all presented. The exact nature of the technique used in individual studies has some relevance to the way in which data must be analysed, and to the type of mechanistic information that can be extracted. Continuous and stopped flow, flash photolysis and pulse radiolysis, molecular modulation, and static reactor techniques can all provide absolute kinetic data, while relative rate measurements have been a further rich source of information. The treatment of the chemical reactions of the nitrate radical is formally divided into the interactions with non-radical inorganic (deemed to include NO and NO 2 ) and organic species, and with atoms and free radicals. In general, the reactions with open-shell species are much more rapid than those with closed-shell reactants. With the closed-shell partners, addition reactions are faster than abstraction reactions. An attempt is made to consider critically the published data on most reactions of importance, and to tabulate rate constants and temperature dependences where possible. However, it is not the objective of this review to provide recommendations for rate parameters. Evidence for the products of the reactions is sought, and for the branching ratios into the various channels where more than one exists. One theme of this part of the review is the elucidation of correlations of reactivity with structure and with the reactions of other radical species such as OH. The review turns next to a consideration of the role of NO 3 in the atmosphere, of its atmospheric sources and sinks, and of field measurements of concentrations of the radical. Long-path visible-absorption spectroscopy and matrix-isolation ESR have both been used successfully in field measurements in the troposphere as well as the stratosphere. Balloon-borne instruments and ground-based remote sensing have been used to obtain stratospheric concentrations. Two of the most important implications of the measurements are that the stratospheric profiles are consistent with accepted chemistry (and, in particular, do not require the postulation of an unidentified scavenging mechanism that had, at one stage, been proposed), and that the highly variable night-time tropospheric concentrations imply that NO 3 is a reactive tropospheric constituent. The inter-relation between laboratory studies and atmospheric observations, and the problems in extrapolating laboratory data to atmospheric conditions, are both explored. Initiation of night-time chemical transformations by NO 3 and the possible production of OH are considered. The available information is then brought together to see how far NO 3 is a sensitive indicator of the state of the atmosphere, and some speculations are presented about the involvement of NO 3 (or N 2 O 5 ) in damage to trees and plants. The final section of the review suggests some issues that remain unresolved concerning the NO 3 radical which is directly or indirectly relevant to a better knowledge of the part played by the radical in the atmosphere. Amongst the requirements noted are improved data for the heat of formation of the radical, its absorption cross section in the visible region (and, especially, the temperature dependence of the cross section), and the details of its photochemistry. There is also still a need for a definitive determination of the equilibrium constant and its temperature dependence for the association with NO 2 and the reverse dissociation of N 2 O 5 . A series of chemical reactions deserves further investigation, especially with regard to elucidation of product channels, and overall oxidation mechanisms also need to be defined better. Future atmospheric studies that are desirable include study of basic NO 3 chemistry in the field to understand the influence of humidity on the conversion (probably on surfaces) of N 2 O 5 to HNO 3 , and thus on NO 3 concentrations. In addition, a study of the chemistry of NO 3 in the presence of volatile organic compounds and at elevated concentrations of the oxides of nitrogen should help in the understanding of, for example, polluted marine coasts, forests, and urban areas.

Organic peroxy radicals: Kinetics, spectroscopy and tropospheric chemistry

The present state of knowledge of organic, or carbon-based, peroxy radicals (RO2) is reviewed. Data on the chemical and physical properties of peroxy radicals in the gas-phase is considered, as well as the role of peroxy radicals in tropospheric chemistry and measurements of their concentrations in the atmosphere. Where appropriate, peroxy radicals are grouped together by type (alkyl, acyl, oxygen-substituted, halogen-substituted and aromatic radicals) to facilitate comparison. Data on the hydroperoxy radical (HO2) is included where it is directly relevant to measurements on organic peroxy radicals, eg. absorption cross-sections used in measurements of RO2 + HO2 rate constants. The literature data is critically reviewed and recommendations for absorption cross-sections, rate constants and branching ratios are made where considered appropriate. The laboratory experimental techniques which have been used for the generation and detection of peroxy radicals and the products of their reactions are discussed. The structure, spectroscopy and thermochemistry of the radicals are examined. Although the majority of spectroscopic data concerns the u.v. spectra much used for kinetic studies, near-infrared, infrared and electron spin resonance spectra are also considered. In many cases, peroxy radical u.v. spectra are well-fitted by a Gaussian distribution function, enabling the cross-sections to be easily calculated at any wavelength. For the purpose of this review, the chemical reactions of peroxy radicals are divided into reactions with organic peroxy radicals with HO2, with NO and NO2, and finally with other species. Peroxy radical abstraction and addition reactions with closed-shell species are sufficiently slow to be of negligible importance at temperatures pertinent to the atmosphere and are consequently not covered. Data on both the kinetics and mechanisms of peroxy radical reactions are considered. The role of peroxy radicals as intermediates in the atmospheric degradation of volatile organic compounds and in the production of ozone in the troposphere under both low and high [NOx] conditions is discussed. The involvement of peroxy radicals in night-time oxidation chemistry and the oxidation of halocarbons is also indicated. The techniques used for the difficult measurement of peroxy radical concentrations in the atmosphere are described, together with the results to date. Finally, some tentative suggestions as to further avenues of research are made, based on the data reviewed here and with particular reference to the solution of outstanding problems in atmospheric chemistry. Although a great deal of progress has been made in recent years, it is clear that additional work is needed in most areas covered by this review. New, sensitive and selective laboratory techniques are required for studies of peroxy radical kinetics and high level ab initio calculations would help design laser-based detection techniques. Further product studies of photooxidation systems are needed, particularly as a function of temperature. Recent work has shown that the rate constants for RO2 + HO2 reactions used in modelling studies may be too low; if so, these reactions will be correspondingly more important than previously believed in tropospheric oxidation. Recent kinetic studies of the potentially important reactions of methylperoxy radicals with ClO and NO3 need to be confirmed and mechanistic work is necessary. Although substantial progress has been made towards the monitoring of peroxy radical concentrations in the atmosphere, more work is needed, both on measurements and the development of new techniques.

Temperature dependence of the absorption cross sections of formaldehyde between 223 and 323 K in the wavelength range 225–375 nm

UV absorption cross sections of formaldehyde (HCHO) have been measured with a spectral resolution of 0.025 nm in the wavelength range 225–375 nm at 298 K using a diode array detector. At selected temperatures ranging from 223 to 323 K, measurements have been conducted to obtain temperature gradients in the wavelength range 250–356 nm. Error limits for the reported absorption cross sections are ±5% but at least ±3×10−22 cm2 molecule−1. For the temperature gradients, uncertainties are <8%. Spectra and temperature gradients are compared with earlier measurements.

Atmospheric chemistry of small organic peroxy radicals

Global atmospheric models play a key role in international assessments of the human impact on global climate and air pollution. To increase the accuracy and facilitate comparison of results from such models, it is essential they contain up-to-date chemical mechanisms. To this end, we present an evaluation of the atmospheric chemistry of the four most abundant organic peroxy radicals: CH3O2, C2H5O2, CH3C(O)O2, and CH3C(O)CH2O2. The literature data for the atmospheric reactions of these radicals are evaluated. In addition, the ultraviolet absorption cross sections for the above radicals and for HO2 have been evaluated. The absorption spectra were fitted to an analytical formula, which enabled published spectra to be screened objectively. Published kinetic and product data were reinterpreted, or in some case reanalyzed, using the new cross sections, leading to a self-consistent set of kinetic, mechanistic, and spectroscopic data. Product studies were also evaluated. A set of peroxy radical reaction rate coefficients and products are recommended for use in atmospheric modeling. A three-dimensional global chemical transport model (the Intermediate Model for the Global Evolution of Species, IMAGES) was run using both previously recommended rate coefficients and the current set to highlight the sensitivity of key atmospheric trace species to the peroxy radical chemistry used in the model.

Formation of hydroxymethyl hydroperoxide and formic acid in alkene ozonolysis in the presence of water vapour

Abstract Ozonolysis experiments of a series of terminal alkenes were performed to study the products formed in the presence of water vapour. Alkenes investigated were ethene, propene, isobutene and isoprene. Concentrations of the reactants were 4–6 ppmv alkene and 2 ppm ozone. The concentration of water vapour was varied from 0.5 ppmv to 17,000 ppmv. Hydroxymethyl hydroperoxide (HMHP) was found to be the sole product in the reactions of the stabilized Criegee biradical CH2OO with water vapour. The yield of HMHP relative to ozone consumption was measured to be 42% ethene, 14% propene, 13% isobutene and 30% isoprene in the presence of 9,000–18,000 ppmv H2O. HMHP was not stable under the experimental conditions and decomposed to HCOOH and water, presumably via a heterogeneous process. The atmospheric fate of HMHP and the relative rate constants of the CH2OO Criegee biradical with H2O, HCOOH and NOx are discussed.

Absorption cross-sections of NO2 in the UV and visible region (200 – 700 nm) at 298 K

Abstract The absorption cross-sections of NO 2 have been measured in the wavelength range 200 – 700 nm at 298 K with a spectral resolution of 0.04 nm. The data were acquired digitally, allowing post-processing such as integration in different wavelength intervals. The cross-sections are averaged over 1 nm intervals and over the atmospheric wavelength intervals used in solar photolysis calculations.

Halogen oxides: Radicals, sources and reservoirs in the laboratory and in the atmosphere

Abstract The central topic of this review concerns the species XO, where X is F, Cl, Br or I. These molecules are thus the radicals FO, ClO, BrO and IO, but attention is also given to some of their precursors in the laboratory and the atmosphere, as well as to their reservoirs, sinks, and other related species of potential atmospheric importance. Laboratory data on the physics and chemistry of the species and atmospheric determinations of their concentrations are both considered. One aim of the review is to highlight the relationship between the laboratory investigations and the atmospheric studies. The emphasis of the review is on gas-phase processes. After a brief introductory section, the review continues with an examination of laboratory techniques for the study of the halogen-oxide species. This section fast looks at the general properties of the oxides and sources of them for laboratory experiments, then discusses the detection and measurement of the monoxide radicals in the laboratory, and ends with a description of the kinetic tools that have been harnessed in the various studies. The spectroscopy, structure, photochemistry and thermochemistry, of the halogen oxides are discussed in Section III. Both experimental and theoretical aspects are presented. The objectives of the work described are on the one hand to establish the basis for the detection of the radical and the measurement of its concentration in the laboratory and in the atmosphere, and on the other to provide the framework for interpreting pathways, mechanisms and efficiencies of photochemical and thermal reactions. Sections IV, V and VI of the review address the main issues of observed chemistry and its kinetics. Section IV gathers together available kinetic and mechanistic information on gas-phase reactions of FO, ClO, BrO and IO radicals, and the available data are summarized in appropriate tables. Section V reports on the corresponding data available for the gas-phase reactions of certain species containing the XO grouping, which include most of the so-called atmospheric reservoirs of XO radicals. There are three sub-sections, which deal in turn with oxide species, HOX, and XONO2. Heterogeneous processes are introduced in Section VI. Heterogeneous chemistry in the atmosphere is that which occurs on or in ambient condensed phases that are in contact with the gas phase, such as aerosols, clouds, surface waters, and so on. It is becoming increasingly clear that such processes are of importance not only in the stratosphere, but also in the troposphere. Section VII of the review is concerned directly with the atmosphere. The sources and sinks of the compounds, the reaction pathways, temporary and permanent reservoirs, observational evidence, the involvement of the species in atmospheric chemistry, and modelling studies are considered for the troposphere and the stratosphere in turn. The section concludes with a more detailed exposition of the role of modelling of the halogen compounds in the stratosphere. The review concludes with an examination of issues in regard to the halogen oxide species that are unresolved, uncertain, or in need of further research. Further data are required, for example, on the spectroscopy and photochemistry of reservoir compounds, on potential organic sources of atmospheric iodine, and even on the channels for photolysis of compounds such as OClO. Within the field of reaction kinetics, there is a need for further study of the kinetics of dimer formation, and of certain other reactions of the radicals themselves (especially of IO) and some of their reservoirs. A substantial number of problems in heterogeneous chemistry of the species remain to be solved. Not only are some key physical measurements missing, but most of what has been achieved in both chemistry and physics is limited to chlorine-containing species, so that the work needs to be extended to the other halogens. There is also a need for a search for novel reactions occurring on conventional surfaces and for all types of reaction occurring on surfaces that exist within the atmosphere but which have not yet been the subject of laboratory study. So far as the atmosphere itself is concerned, there are important issues to be resolved. They include (i) the involvement of halogen species in episodic tropospherec ozone depletion in the Arctic (and a further question about whether or not such depletion is more widespread); (ii) the role of an active halogen chemistry in the oxidation of VOC; (iii) the significance and detail of stratospheric iodine and iodine-catalysed ozone removal; and (iv) the quantitative description of heterogeneous stratospheric chemistry.

Decomposition pathways of the excited Criegee intermediates in the ozonolysis of simple alkenes

Abstract Ozonolysus of C2H4, C3H6, and trans-2-C4H8 was carried out at 758 ± 4 Torr and 297 ± 3 K in a 2 l continuous-stirred tank-reactor coupled to a matrix-isolation FTIR spectrometer through molecular-beam sampling. The branching ratios of the decomposition channels of the activated Criegee intermediates CH2OO∗ and CH3CHOO∗ formed in the primary reactions were determined by means of a computer simulation based on the quantitative analysis of CH3CHO, HCHO, CO2, CO, CH4, CH3OH, HCOOH, and CH3COOH. The fractions of the decomposition channels found are for CH 2 OO ∗ : CO +H 2 O 58%, CO2+H2 24%, CO2+2H 18%, and for CH 3 CHOO ∗ : CH 4 + CO 2 30% , CH3+CO2+H 30%, CH3+CO+OH 28%, CH3OH+CO 12%. The results of the ozonolysis of C3H6 are described by combining the simulation models of the C2H4 and trans-2-C4H8 ozonolysis. The primary propene ozonide is found to split into CH 3 CHOO ∗ + HCHO and CH 2 OO ∗ + CH 3 CHO with the fraction of 62 and 38%, respectively.

Products and Mechanism of the Gas Phase Reaction of Ozone with β-Pinene

Gas phase ozonolysis of β-pinene was performedin a 570 l static reactor at 730 Torr and 296 K insynthetic air and the products were analysed by acombination of gas phase FTIR spectroscopy, HPLC andIC analyses of gas phase and aerosol samples,respectively. The reaction mechanism was investigatedby adding HCHO, HCOOH and H2O as Criegeeintermediate scavenger and cyclohexane as OH radicalscavenger. Main identified products (yields inparentheses) in the presence of cyclohexane as OHradical scavenger were HCHO (0.65 ± 0.04),nopinone (0.16 ± 0.04), 3-hydroxy-nopinone (0.15± 0.05), CO2 (0.20 ± 0.04), CO (0.030± 0.002), HCOOH (0.020 ± 0.002), the secondaryozonide of β-pinene (0.16 ± 0.05), andcis-pinic acid (0.02 ± 0.01). The decompositionof the primary ozonide was found to yieldpredominantly the excited C9-Criegee intermediateand HCHO (0.84 ± 0.04) and to a minor extent theexcited CH2OO intermediate and nopinone (0.16± 0.04). Roughly 40% of the excitedC9-Criegee intermediate becomes stabilised andcould be shown to react with HCHO, HCOOH and H2O. The atmospherically important reaction of thestabilised C9-Criegee intermediate with H2Owas found to result in a nopinone increase of (0.35± 0.05) and in the formation of H2O2(0.24 ± 0.03). Based on the observed products,the unimolecular decomposition/isomerisationchannels of the C9-Criegee intermediate arediscussed in terms of the hydroperoxide and esterchannels. Subsequent reactions of the nopinonylradical, formed in the hydroperoxide channel, lead tomajor products like 3-hydroxy-nopinone but also tominor products like cis-pinic acid. A mechanismfor the formation of this dicarboxylic acid isproposed and its possible role in aerosol formationprocesses discussed.

Formation of formic acid and organic peroxides in the ozonolysis of ethene with added water vapour

Ozonolysis of C2H4 was carried out in a 580 l glass reaction vessel at 1–5 ppm reactant concentrations, with added water vapour. Under dry conditions ([H2O]0 = 0.5 ppm), HCHO, CO, CO2, (CHO)2O (formic acid anhydride), H2O2, and CH3OOH were identified as the reaction products. Under wet conditions ([H2O]0 = 2 × 104 ppm), HCOOH yields approaching ca. 20% of the converted C2H4, were observed, while no (CHO)2O was formed. Hydroxymethyl hydroperoxide, HOCH2OOH, was observed as the major peroxide, and found to be formed only in the presence of water vapour. Direct reactions of H2O vapour with the excited CH2OO* radicals and with stabilized CH2OO radicals are postulated to explain the formation of HCOOH and HOCH2OOH in the presence of water vapour, respectively.