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  • Stability of Monoterpene-Derived α-Hydroxyalkyl-Hydroperoxides in Aqueous Organic Media: Relevance to the Fate of Hydroperoxides in Aerosol Particle Phases
Title: Stability of Monoterpene-Derived α-Hydroxyalkyl-Hydroperoxides in Aqueous Organic Media: Relevance to the Fate of Hydroperoxides in Aerosol Particle Phases
The alpha-hydroxyalkyl-hydroperoxides [R-(H)C(-OH)(-OOH), alpha-HH] produced in the ozonolysis of unsaturated organic compounds may contribute to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) aging. alpha-HHs' inherent instability, however, hampers their detection and a positive assessment of their actual role. Here we report, for the first time, the rates and products of the decomposition of the alpha-HHs generated in the ozonolysis of atmospherically important monoterpenes alpha-pinene (alpha-P), d-limonene (d-L), gamma-terpinene (gamma-Tn), and alpha-terpineol (alpha-Tp) in water/acetonitrile (W/AN) mixtures. We detect alpha-HHs and multifunctional decomposition products as chloride adducts by online electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Experiments involving D2O and (H2O)-O-18, instead of (H2O)-O-16, and an OH-radical scavenger show that alpha-HHs decompose into gem-diols + H2O2 rather than free radicals. alpha-HHs decay mono- or biexponentially depending on molecular structure and solvent composition. e-Fold times, tau(1)(/e), in water-rich solvent mixtures range from tau(1)(/e), = 15-45 min for monoterpene-derived alpha-HHs to tau(1)(/e) > 10(3) min for the alpha-Tp-derived alpha-HH. All tau(1)(/e)'s dramatically increase in <20% (v/v) water. Decay rates of the alpha-Tp-derived alpha-HH in pure water increase at lower pH (2.3 <= pH <= 3.3). The hydroperoxides detected in day-old SOA samples may reflect their increased stability in water-poor media and/or the slow decomposition of alpha-HHs from functionalized terpenes.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1744353
PAR ID:
10208096
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Environmental science and technology
Volume:
54
Issue:
7
ISSN:
0194-0287
Page Range / eLocation ID:
3890–3899
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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