Atmospheric fate and impacts of HFO-1234yf from mobile air conditioners in East Asia

HFO-1234yf (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene) is being used as refrigerant to replace HFC-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), a potent greenhouse gas, in mobile air conditioners. However, the environmental impacts of HFO-1234yf, which is quickly and almost completely transformed to the persistent and phytotoxic trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), is of great concern. Here, we used the nested-grid chemical transport model, GEOS-Chem, to assess the fate and environmental impacts of HFO-1234yf emissions from mobile air conditioners in East Asia. With total emissions of 30.3 Gg yr-1, the annual mean concentrations of HFO-1234yf in China, Japan, and South Korea were 4.00, 3.23, and 5.54 pptv (parts per trillion volume), respectively, and the annual deposition fluxes (dry plus wet) of TFA in these regions were 0.35, 0.48, and 0.53 kg km-2 yr-1, dominated by wet deposition. About 14 %, 13 % and 11 % of HFO-1234yf emissions were deposited as TFA in China, Japan and South Korea, respectively, i.e. a large portion of TFA was deposited in areas outside of the emission boundary regions. The TFA characteristics in Japan and South Korea was significantly influenced by emission from China, which contributions ranged from 43 % to 94 % for the TFA concentrations and 44 % to 98 % for the TFA depositions across the four seasons. This suggests that the influence of neighboring emission sources cannot be ignored when assessing the impact of HFO-1234yf emissions in individual countries.

Structural and spectroscopic characterization of large boron heterocyclic radicals: Matrix infrared spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations

Six boron heterocyclic radicals with different conformations or configurations were synthesized in solid neon and identified by matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy as well as quantum-chemical calculations. The ground-state boron atom selectively attacks the C = C bond of cycloheptene forming η2 (1,2)-BC7H12 complex (A), which contains a chair conformation and a boat conformation. Species A isomerizes to the 2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydroborocine radical (B), which involves an eight-membered boron heterocyclic ring and also has two isomers observed. The 1-(prop-1-en-1-yl)-2,3,4-dihydro borole radical (C) with E-configuration and Z-configuration is generated as the final product under UV light irradiation through ring contraction reaction and the hydrogen atom transfer reaction. The observation of species A and further photo-isomerization to species C is consistent with theoretical predictions that these reactions are thermodynamically exothermic and kinetically facile. This work not only provides a possible route for future design and synthesis of corresponding borole derivatives, but also provides new insights into the structural and spectroscopic information of boron heterocyclic radicals with different conformations and configurations.

A Computational Perspective on the Chemical Reaction of HFO-1234zc with the OH Radical in the Gas Phase and in the Presence of Mineral Dust

The gas phase and heterogeneous reaction on mineral dust aerosols of trace gases could significantly affect the tropospheric oxidation capacity and aerosol composition of the atmosphere. In this work, the OH radical-initiated oxidation of a hydrofluoroolefin, HFO-1234zc, and subsequent reaction of favorable intermediates with other reactive species, such as O₂, HO₂, and NO_x (x = 1-2) radicals, were studied, and the role of mineral dust in the form of silicate clusters on the reaction mechanism and rate constant was studied. In the gas phase, OH radical addition to HFO-1234zc is kinetically more favorable than the H-atom abstraction reaction. The calculated reaction energy barrier and thermochemical parameters show that both the initial reactions are more feasible on silicate clusters. Thus, silicates can act as chemical sinks for trapping of hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs). It is found that both gas-phase and heterogeneous reactions are responsible for the transformation of HFOs into fluorinated compounds in the atmosphere. Further, the results show that the ozone creation potential of HFO-1234zc is low, and few of the products are harmful to aquatic organisms. This study provides new insights on the formation of toxic pollutants from the oxidation of HFO-1234zc, which may have significant implications in the troposphere.

FTIR product study of the Cl-initiated oxidation products of CFC replacements: (E/Z)-1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene and hexafluoroisobutylene

A product study of the reactions of (E/Z)-1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene ((E/Z)-CF3CF[double bond, length as m-dash]CHF) and hexafluoroisobutylene ((CF3)2C[double bond, length as m-dash]CH2) initiated by Cl atoms were developed at 298 ± 2 K and atmospheric pressure. The experiments were carried out in a 1080 L quartz-glass environmental chamber coupled via in situ FTIR spectroscopy to monitor the reactants and products. The main products observed and their yields were as follows: CF3C(O)F (106 ± 9)% with HC(O)F (100 ± 8)% as a co-product for (E/Z)-CF3CF[double bond, length as m-dash]CHF, and CF3C(O)CF3 (94 ± 5)% with HC(O)Cl (90 ± 7)% as a co-product for (CF3)2C[double bond, length as m-dash]CH2. Atmospheric implications of the end-product degradation are assessed in terms of their impact on ecosystems to help environmental policymakers consider HFOs as acceptable replacements.

Atmospheric Chemistry of c-C5HF7 and c-C5F8: Temperature-Dependent OH Reaction Rate Coefficients, Degradation Products, Infrared Spectra, and Global Warming Potentials

c-C₅HF₇ (1H-heptafluorocyclopentene) and c-C₅F₈ (perfluorocyclopentene) are potent greenhouse gases presently used as replacement compounds in Si etching. A thorough understanding of their potential impact on climate and air quality necessitates studies of their atmospheric reactivity, radiative properties, and atmospheric degradation pathways. The predominant atmospheric removal process for these compounds is expected to be via reaction with the OH radical. In this study, rate coefficients, k, for the gas-phase reaction of the OH radical with c-C₅HF₇ and c-C₅F₈ were measured over a range of temperatures (242-370 K) and pressures (50-100 Torr, He) using a pulsed laser photolysis-laser-induced fluorescence technique. In addition, a complementary relative rate technique, employing multiple reference compounds, was used to study the reactions between 273 and 372 K at 100 Torr (He) total pressure. Reaction rate coefficients were found to be independent of pressure over this range of conditions with k₁(296 K) = (4.59 ± 0.10) × 10^-14 cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1 and k₁(T) = (4.00 ± 0.40) × 10^-13 exp(-(631 ± 30)/T) cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1 for c-C₅HF₇ and k₂(296 K) = (4.90 ± 0.14) × 10^-14 cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1 and k₂(T) = (3.59 ± 0.4) × 10^-13 exp(-(591 ± 25)/T) cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1 for c-C₅F₈. Stable end-products were measured following the OH radical-initiated degradation of c-C₅HF₇ and c-C₅F₈ in the presence of O₂. F(O)CCF₂CF₂CF₂CH(O), CF₂O, and CO₂ were observed as the major end-products in the oxidation of c-C₅HF₇ with molar yields of 0.64, 1.27, and 0.53, respectively. For c-C₅F₈, F(O)CCF₂CF₂CF₂CF(O), CF₂O, and CO₂ were observed with molar yields of 0.66, 0.63, and 0.43, respectively. The total carbon mass balance in both systems was 1.0 ± 0.15. The high yield of a C5-dicarbonyl end-product is consistent with a ring opening at the carbon-carbon double bond site for both c-C₅HF₇ and c-C₅F₈. A comparison of the present kinetic and degradation product results with previously published studies is presented. A rate coefficient upper limit for the gas-phase reaction of O₃ with c-C₅HF₇ and c-C₅F₈ of 1 × 10^-21 cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1 was measured as part of this work. Atmospheric lifetimes for c-C₅HF₇ and c-C₅F₈ are estimated to be 252 and 236 days, respectively. Infrared absorption spectra of c-C₅HF₇ and c-C₅F₈ were also measured and found to agree, to within 5%, with results from previous studies. The well-mixed and lifetime adjusted radiative efficiencies (RE, W m^-2 ppb^-1) and 100 year time horizon global warming potential (GWP) for c-C₅HF₇ are 0.35, 0.24, and 46.7 and for c-C₅F₈ are 0.38, 0.25, and 46.2, respectively.

In situ synthesis of CO2 adducts of modified polyethylenimines in polyether polyols for polyurethane foaming

CO2 adducts from hydrophobically-modified polyethylenimines (PEIs) in powder form are newly-developed environment-friendly blowing agents for polyurethanes (PUs). However, they are difficult to disperse into foaming systems that usually contain polyether polyols as the PU soft segments. Herein, we employ mixtures of di(propylene glycol) monomethyl ether-grafted polyethylenimines (DPG-PEIs) and poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) polyols to absorb CO2, with in situ formation of the CO2 adduct particles as PU blowing agents. Their CO2 saturation degrees, revealed by thermogravimetry, scatter in the range of 93–98%. The DPG side chains tend to be exposed at the particle–matrix interface to stabilize the particles. In addition, some PPG oligomers in the matrix might entangle with the CO2 adduct macromolecules during the in situ particle formation. The entangled PPG chains could further stabilize the suspending particles. The high grafting rate and high molecular weight of the PEI backbones could result in small particles, which largely thicken the foaming systems. The optimized blowing agents, with grafting rates between 5% and 8% and PEI backbone molecular weights not higher than 10k Da, show particle sizes from several hundreds of nanometers to ∼1 μm. The resultant foams demonstrate densities below 50 kg/m3 and compressive strengths over 200 kPa, comparable to the values from industrial foams. This in situ CO2 adduction has potential as a universal method suitable for PU foaming at an industrial scale.

FC(O)C(O)F, FC(O)CF2C(O)F, and FC(O)CF2CF2C(O)F: Ultraviolet and Infrared Absorption Spectra and 248 nm Photolysis Products

Perfluorodicarbonyl (PFDC) compounds may be emitted directly into the atmosphere or formed in the atmospheric degradation of trace fluorinated gases, such as unsaturated perfluoro cyclic compounds. A potential atmospheric removal process for PFDCs is UV photolysis, which is presently not well-characterized. In this work, UV and infrared absorption spectra of FC(O)C(O)F, FC(O)CF₂C(O)F, and FC(O)CF₂CF₂C(O)F (three of the simplest PFDCs) and their 248 nm photolysis products are reported. UV spectra were measured at 296 K between 190 and 320 nm using single wavelength and broadband diode array spectroscopic measurement techniques. Infrared absorption spectra were measured at 296 K using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy between 500 and 4000 cm^-1. The PFDCs are shown to be potent greenhouse gases with radiative efficiencies (well-mixed) of 0.142, 0.218, and 0.293 W m^-2 ppb^-1 for FC(O)C(O)F, FC(O)CF₂C(O)F, and FC(O)CF₂CF₂C(O)F, respectively. Photolysis product yields (248 nm) were measured using pulsed laser photolysis combined with infrared absorption detection of radical products scavenged to stable bromides by reaction with Br₂. BrC(O)F was identified as a major stable end product in all systems with a yield greater than ∼90%. The infrared spectrum of BrC(O)F is reported as part of this study. FC(O)CBrF₂ and FC(O)CF₂CBrF₂ were also identified as products in the photolysis of FC(O)CF₂C(O)F and FC(O)CF₂CF₂C(O)F, respectively, by comparison with theoretically calculated infrared absorption spectra. A carbonyl difluoride (CF₂O) primary photolysis yield of ∼10% was measured in the photolysis of FC(O)C(O)F.

Atmospheric oxidation of 2-fluoropropene (CH3CFCH2) with Cl atom and aerial degradation of its product radicals by computational study

Primary degradation of 2-fluoropropene initiated by Cl atom and subsequent degradation of its product radials.

Tropospheric degradation of 2-fluoropropene (CH3CFCH2) initiated by hydroxyl radical: Reaction mechanisms, kinetics and atmospheric implications from DFT study

Degradation of hydrofluoro-olefins (HFOs) with oxidants plays a significant role in the troposphere. Thus, we have investigated detail theoretical calculations of hydroxyl radical (^•OH) initiated oxidation of 2-fluoropropene (CH₃CFCH₂) using M06-2X/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory. Here, we have considered different possible H-abstraction and OH addition for the degradation of CH₃CFCH₂ molecule. The potential energy analysis shows that OH-addition channels are more dominant than H-abstraction channels. The calculated reaction enthalpies (Δ_rH°) and Gibbs free energies (Δ_rG°) also suggest that OH-addition reaction channels are more favourable than H-abstraction channels. The overall rate coefficients for CH₃CFCH₂ + ^•OH reaction is calculated within the temperature range of 250-450 K. The observed overall rate coefficient (2.01 × 10^-11 cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1) at 298 K for the titled reaction is found to be in good agreement with the earlier reported experimental rate coefficient. The calculated percentage branching ratio shows that the contribution of OH-addition to α-carbon and β-carbon of CH₃CFCH₂ molecule are 85.10% and 14.20% to the overall rate coefficient while H-abstractions have a negligible contribution. Based on the kinetics calculations, the atmospheric lifetime of the titled molecule is found to be 0.6 days. Further, we have also explored the degradation pathways of OH-addition product radicals and found acetyl fluoride (CH₃CFO) and formaldehyde (HCHO) are the end degradation products.

Rate Coefficients for the Gas-Phase Reaction of ( E)- and ( Z)-CF3CF═CFCF3 with the OH Radical and Cl-Atom

The rate coefficients, k, for the gas-phase reaction of the OH radical and Cl-atom with ( E)- and ( Z)-CF₃CF═CFCF₃ were measured using a relative rate technique over a range of temperature (240-375 K) and bath gas pressure (50-630 Torr, He). The obtained rate coefficients were found to be independent of pressure under these conditions. The obtained rate coefficients for the reaction of Cl-atom with ( E)- and ( Z)-CF₃CF═CFCF₃ at 296 K were k₁(296 K) = (7.23 ± 0.3) × 10^-12 cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1 and k₂(296 K) = (6.70 ± 0.3) × 10^-12 cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1, respectively, with the temperature dependence described by the Arrhenius expressions: k₁( T) = (3.47 ± 0.35) × 10^-12 exp[(210 ± 25)/ T] cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1 and k₂( T) = (3.37 ± 0.35) × 10^-12 exp[(199 ± 25)/ T] cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1. The rate coefficients for the OH radical reaction with ( E)- and ( Z)-CF₃CF═CFCF₃ were found to be k₃(296-375 K) = (4.34 ± 0.45) × 10^-13 cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1 and k₄(296-375 K) = (3.30 ± 0.35) × 10^-13 cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1, respectively. The quoted rate coefficient uncertainties are 2σ (95% confidence level) and include estimated systematic errors. The rate coefficients for the reaction of OH with a mixture of the two stereoisomers were determined using a pulsed laser photolysis-laser-induced fluorescence (PLP-LIF) technique for comparison with previous kinetic measurements using stereoisomer mixtures. The effective rate coefficient for the 0.7/0.3 ( E)/( Z) stereoisomer sample was found to be nearly independent of temperature over the range 222-375 K with a value of (4.47 ± 0.36) × 10^-13 cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1. The atmospheric lifetimes for ( E)- and ( Z)-CF₃CF═CFCF₃ due to OH-reactive loss are estimated to be 25 and 35 days, respectively. The lifetime-corrected radiative efficiencies (W m^-2 ppb^-1) and 100 year time horizon global warming potentials derived in this work are 0.05 and 1.2 for ( E)-CF₃CF═CFCF₃ and 0.13 and 4.1 for ( Z)-CF₃CF═CFCF₃. The photochemical ozone creation potentials for ( E)- and ( Z)-CF₃CF═CFCF₃ are estimated to be 2.5 and 2.1, respectively.

Product distribution and mechanism of the OH− initiated tropospheric degradation of three CFC replacement candidates: CH3CFCH2, (CF3)2CCH2 and (E/Z)-CF3CFCHF

The OH initiated degradation of 2-fluoropropene, 3,3,3-trifluoro-2-(tri-fluoromethyl)propene and (E/Z)-1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene has been investigated using a 1080 L chamber at 298 K and 1000 mbar of air coupled with in situ FTIR spectroscopy.

Kinetics, mechanism, and global warming potentials of HFO-1234yf initiated by O3 molecules and NO3 radicals: insights from quantum study

In the present investigation, the oxidation of HFO-1234yf (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene) with O₃ molecule and NO₃ radical is studied by quantum chemical methods. The possible reaction pathways of the titled molecule with O₃ molecule and NO₃ radical are analyzed using M06-2X meta-hybrid density functional with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. We have further employed a series of single-point energy calculations by using a potentially high-level couple cluster method with single and double excitations, including perturbative corrections ((CCSD(T)) at the same basis set. The addition reaction of HFO-1234yf with O₃ molecule is initiated by the formation of primary ozonide complex, which leads to the formation of various carbonyl compounds and Criegee intermediates. The calculated energy barriers and thermochemical parameters inferred that decomposition of C˙H₂OO˙ and CF₃CFO is slightly more preferred over the formation of CF₃C˙FOO˙ and CH₂O. Further, the NO₃ radical addition at α- and β-sits of CF₃CF〓CH₂ molecule is analyzed in details. The individual and overall rate constants for each reaction pathways are calculated by using canonical transition state theory over the temperature range of 250-450 K. We have observed that the computed rate constants are in good agreement with the available experimental data. Atmospheric lifetimes and global warming potentials of the HFO-1234yf are also reported in this manuscript.

Rate Coefficient Measurements and Theoretical Analysis of the OH + ( E)-CF3CH═CHCF3 Reaction

Rate coefficients, k, for the gas-phase reaction of the OH radical with ( E)-CF₃CH═CHCF₃ (( E)-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene, HFO-1336mzz(E)) were measured over a range of temperatures (211-374 K) and bath gas pressures (20-300 Torr; He, N₂) using a pulsed laser photolysis-laser-induced fluorescence (PLP-LIF) technique. k₁( T) was independent of pressure over this range of conditions with k₁(296 K) = (1.31 ± 0.15) × 10^-13 cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1 and k₁( T) = (6.94 ± 0.80) × 10^-13exp[-(496 ± 10)/ T] cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1, where the uncertainties are 2σ, and the pre-exponential term includes estimated systematic error. Rate coefficients for the OD reaction were also determined over a range of temperatures (262-374 K) at 100 Torr (He). The OD rate coefficients were ∼15% greater than the OH values and showed similar temperature dependent behavior with k₂( T) = (7.52 ± 0.44) × 10^-13exp[-(476 ± 20)/ T] and k₂(296 K) = (1.53 ± 0.15) × 10^-13 cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1. The rate coefficients for reaction 1 were also measured using a relative rate technique between 296 and 375 K with k₁(296 K) measured to be (1.22 ± 0.1) × 10^-13 cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1, in agreement with the PLP-LIF results. In addition, the 296 K rate coefficient for the O₃ + ( E)-CF₃CH═CHCF₃ reaction was determined to be <5.2 × 10^-22 cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1. A theoretical computational analysis is presented to interpret the observed positive temperature dependence for the addition reaction and the significant decrease in OH reactivity compared to the ( Z)-CF₃CH═CHCF₃ stereoisomer reaction. The estimated atmospheric lifetime of ( E)-CF₃CH═CHCF₃, due to loss by reaction with OH, is estimated to be ∼90 days, while the actual lifetime will depend on the location and season of its emission. Infrared absorption spectra of ( E)-CF₃CH═CHCF₃ were measured and used to estimate the 100 year time horizon global warming potentials (GWP) of 32 (atmospherically well-mixed) and 14 (lifetime-adjusted).

Rate constants for the reactions of OH radicals with CF3CX=CY2 (X = H, F, CF3, Y = H, F, Cl)

The rate constants of OH radicals with CF₃CF=CCl₂, CF₃CH=CF₂, CF₃CF=CH₂, CF₃CH=CH₂, and (CF₃)₂C=CH₂ have been measured over the temperature range 250-430 K. Kinetic measurements have been carried out using flash photolysis and laser photolysis methods combined respectively with laser-induced fluorescence technique. The Arrhenius rate parameters have been determined as k(CF₃CF=CCl₂) = (6.50 ± 0.22) × 10^-13∙exp[(200 ± 10)/T], k(CF₃CH=CF₂) = (4.85 ± 0.14) × 10^-13∙exp[(120 ± 10)/T], k(CF₃CF=CH₂) = (1.54 ± 0.03) × 10^-12∙exp[- (100 ± 10)/T], k(CF₃CH=CH₂) = (1.06 ± 0.02) × 10^-12∙exp[(80 ± 10)/T], and k((CF₃)₂C=CH₂) = (8.75 ± 0.23) × 10^-13∙exp[- (20 ± 10)/T] cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1. Infrared absorption spectra of the halogenated alkenes have been measured at room temperature. The atmospheric lifetime, global warming potential, ozone depleting potential, and photochemical ozone creation potential have been estimated. The change in the reactivity of halogenated alkenes by the substitution has been examined by considering the structure containing the atoms or atomic groups attached to the carbons on both sides of the double bond.

Impacts of the Degradation of 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene into Trifluoroacetic Acid from Its Application in Automobile Air Conditioners in China, the United States, and Europe

HFO-1234yf (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene) was proposed as an automobile air conditioner (MAC) refrigerant worldwide. However, its atmospheric degradation product is the highly soluble and phytotoxic trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), which persists in aquatic environments. We used a global three-dimensional chemical transport model to assess the potential environmental effects resulting from complete future conversion of the refrigerant in all MAC to HFO-1234yf in China, the United States, and Europe. The annual mean atmospheric concentrations of HFO-1234yf were 2.62, 2.20, and 2.73 pptv, and the mean deposition rates of TFA were 0.96, 0.45, and 0.52 kg km^-2 yr^-1, in three regions. The regional TFA deposition sources mainly came from emissions within the same region. The annual TFA deposition in the North Pole region was lower than the global average and mainly originated from European emissions. A potential doubling in the future HFO-1234yf emissions in China mainly affected the local TFA depositions. The TFA concentrations in rainwater were strongly affected by the regional precipitation rates. North Africa and the Middle East, regions with scant rainfall, had extremely high TFA concentrations. The rainwater concentrations of TFA during individual rain events can exceed the level considered to be safe, indicating substantial potential regional risks from future HFO-1234yf use.

Kinetic investigations of Cl atom initiated photo-oxidation reactions of cyclic unsaturated hydrocarbons in the gas phase: an experimental and theoretical study

Cl atom initiated photo oxidation kinetics of cyclohexene and cycloheptene.

Correlations for the Viscosity of 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (R1234yf) and trans-1,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene (R1234ze(E))

Due to concerns about global warming, there is interest in 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (R1234yf) and trans-1,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene (R1234ze(E)) as potential replacements for refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP). In this manuscript we survey available data and provide viscosity correlations that cover the entire fluid range including vapor, liquid, and supercritical regions. The correlation for R1234yf is valid from the triple point (220 K) to 410 K at pressures up to 30 MPa, and the correlation for R1234ze(E) is valid from the triple point (169 K) to 420 K at pressures up to 100 MPa. The estimated uncertainty for both correlations at a 95 % confidence level is 2 % for the liquid phase over the temperature range 243 K to 363 K at pressures to 30 MPa, and 3 % for the gas phase at atmospheric pressure.

CH3CO + O2 + M (M = He, N2) Reaction Rate Coefficient Measurements and Implications for the OH Radical Product Yield

The gas-phase CH3CO + O2 reaction is known to proceed via a chemical activation mechanism leading to the formation of OH and CH3C(O)OO radicals via bimolecular and termolecular reactive channels, respectively. In this work, rate coefficients, k, for the CH3CO + O2 reaction were measured over a range of temperature (241-373 K) and pressure (0.009-600 Torr) with He and N2 as the bath gas and used to characterize the bi- and ter-molecular reaction channels. Three independent experimental methods (pulsed laser photolysis-laser-induced fluorescence (PLP-LIF), pulsed laser photolysis-cavity ring-down spectroscopy (PLP-CRDS), and a very low-pressure reactor (VLPR)) were used to characterize k(T,M). PLP-LIF was the primary method used to measure k(T,M) in the high-pressure regime under pseudo-first-order conditions. CH3CO was produced by PLP, and LIF was used to monitor the OH radical bimolecular channel reaction product. CRDS, a complementary high-pressure method, measured k(295 K,M) over the pressure range 25-600 Torr (He) by monitoring the temporal CH3CO radical absorption following its production via PLP in the presence of excess O2. The VLPR technique was used in a relative rate mode to measure k(296 K,M) in the low-pressure regime (9-32 mTorr) with CH3CO + Cl2 used as the reference reaction. A kinetic mechanism analysis of the combined kinetic data set yielded a zero pressure limit rate coefficient, kint(T), of (6.4 ± 4) × 10(-14) exp((820 ± 150)/T) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) (with kint(296 K) measured to be (9.94 ± 1.3) × 10(-13) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1)), k0(T) = (7.39 ± 0.3) × 10(-30) (T/300)(-2.2±0.3) cm(6) molecule(-2) s(-1), and k∞(T) = (4.88 ± 0.05) × 10(-12) (T/300)(-0.85±0.07) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) with Fc = 0.8 and M = N2. A He/N2 collision efficiency ratio of 0.60 ± 0.05 was determined. The phenomenological kinetic results were used to define the pressure and temperature dependence of the OH radical yield in the CH3CO + O2 reaction. The present results are compared with results from previous studies and the discrepancies are discussed.

Hydroxyl radical reaction rate coefficients as a function of temperature and IR absorption cross sections for CF3CH=CH2 (HFO-1243zf), potential replacement of CF3CH2F (HFC-134a)

CF3CH=CH2 (hydrofluoroolefin, HFO-1243zf) is a potential replacement of high global-warming potential (GWP) hydrofluorocarbon (HFC-134a, CF3CFH2). Both the atmospheric lifetime and the radiative efficiency of HFO-1243zf are parameters needed for estimating the GWP of this species. Therefore, the aim of this work is (i) to estimate the atmospheric lifetime of HFO-1243zf from the reported OH rate coefficients, k OH, determined under tropospheric conditions and (ii) to calculate its radiative efficiency from the reported IR absorption cross sections. The OH rate coefficient at 298 K also allows the estimation of the photochemical ozone creation potential (ε(POCP)). The pulsed laser photolysis coupled to a laser-induced fluorescence technique was used to determine k OH for the reaction of OH radicals with HFO-1243zf as a function of pressure (50-650 Torr of He) and temperature (263-358 K). Gas-phase IR spectra of HFO-1243zf were recorded at room temperature using a Fourier transform IR spectrometer between 500 and 4,000 cm(-1). At all temperatures, k OH did not depend on bath gas concentration (i.e., on the total pressure between 50 and 650 Torr of He). A slight but noticeable T dependence of k OH was observed in the temperature range investigated. The observed behavior is well described by the following Arrhenius expression: k OH(T) = (7.65 ± 0.26) × 10(-13) exp [(165 ± 10) / T] cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1). Negligible IR absorption of HFO-1243zf was observed at wavenumbers greater than 1,700 cm(-1). Therefore, IR absorption cross sections, [Formula: see text], were determined in the 500-1,700 cm(-1) range. Integrated [Formula: see text] were determined between 650 and 1,800 cm(-1) for comparison purposes. The main diurnal removal pathway for HFO-1243zf is the reaction with OH radicals, which accounts for 64% of the overall loss by homogeneous reactions at 298 K. Globally, the lifetime due to OH reaction (τ OH) was estimated to be 8.7 days under the assumption of a well-mixed atmosphere. Assuming other removal pathways, the atmospheric lifetime (τ) was estimated to be ∼6 days. Considering the estimated τ OH and the measured IR absorption cross sections of HFO-1243zf in the atmospheric window (720-1,250 cm(-1)), its lifetime corrected radiative efficiency was calculated to be 0.019 W m(-2) ppbv(-1). GWP100 years for the HFO investigated, 0.29, is negligible compared to that of HFC-134a, the HFC to be potentially replaced (GWP100 years = 1,300, Hodnebrog et al. (Rev Geophys 51:300-378, 2013)). ε POCP for HFO-1243zf was estimated to be around 1 order of magnitude lower than that for ethylene. In conclusion, HFO-1243zf is fast degraded in the atmosphere, and it does not appreciably contribute to global warming and local/regional air pollution. Therefore, HFO-1243zf can be a suitable replacement for HFC-134a in air conditioning units.

Atmospheric chemistry of (CF3)2CCH2: OH radicals, Cl atoms and O3 rate coefficients, oxidation end-products and IR spectra

OH, Cl and O₃ kinetics and IR spectra of (CF₃)₂CCH₂ utilized to estimate tropospheric lifetimes, radiative efficiencies, global warming potentials, estimated photochemical ozone creation potentials and tropospheric oxidation end-products.

Methyl-perfluoroheptene-ethers (CH3OC7F13): measured OH radical reaction rate coefficients for several isomers and enantiomers and their atmospheric lifetimes and global warming potentials

Mixtures of methyl-perfluoroheptene-ethers (CH3OC7F13, MPHEs) are currently in use as replacements for perfluorinated alkanes (PFCs) and poly-ether heat transfer fluids, which are persistent greenhouse gases with lifetimes >1000 years. At present, the atmospheric processing and environmental impact from the use of MPHEs is unknown. In this work, rate coefficients at 296 K for the gas-phase reaction of the OH radical with six key isomers (including stereoisomers and enantiomers) of MPHEs used commercially were measured using a relative rate method. Rate coefficients for the six MPHE isomers ranged from ∼ 0.1 to 2.9 × 10(-12) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) with a strong stereoisomer and -OCH3 group position dependence; the (E)-stereoisomers with the -OCH3 group in an α- position relative to the double bond had the greatest reactivity. Rate coefficients measured for the d3-MPHE isomer analogues showed decreased reactivity consistent with a minor contribution of H atom abstraction from the -OCH3 group to the overall reactivity. Estimated atmospheric lifetimes for the MPHE isomers range from days to months. Atmospheric lifetimes, radiative efficiencies, and global warming potentials for these short-lived MPHE isomers were estimated based on the measured OH rate coefficients along with measured and theoretically calculated MPHE infrared absorption spectra. Our results highlight the importance of quantifying the atmospheric impact of individual components in an isomeric mixture.

Theoretical study of a reaction mechanism of tropospheric interest: CH3CH2F + OH

Dual-level electronic structure calculation has been performed to investigate the mechanism and all possible channels of OH radical reaction with CH3CH2F. Geometries and frequencies are computed at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level of theory for all stationary points and complexes and transition states are located. Potential energy surfaces are constructed at the PMP2/cc-pVTZ//B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level + ZPE correction. Four types of reaction channels are identified: hydrogen abstraction, fluorine abstraction and attack on carbon atom along or perpendicular to the C–C bond axis. Hydrogen abstraction channels have lower barriers and are more exothermic, while out-of-plane β–H abstraction with the lowest barrier is competitive with a–H abstraction. Due to the high energy barrier, contributions of non-H abstraction channels are excluded. The influence of hydrogen bonding interaction is clearly observed in the barrier heights.

Gas-phase rate coefficients for the OH + n-, i-, s-, and t-butanol reactions measured between 220 and 380 K: non-Arrhenius behavior and site-specific reactivity

Butanol (C4H9OH) is a potential biofuel alternative in fossil fuel gasoline and diesel formulations. The usage of butanol would necessarily lead to direct emissions into the atmosphere; thus, an understanding of its atmospheric processing and environmental impact is desired. Reaction with the OH radical is expected to be the predominant atmospheric removal process for the four aliphatic isomers of butanol. In this work, rate coefficients, k, for the gas-phase reaction of the n-, i-, s-, and t-butanol isomers with the OH radical were measured under pseudo-first-order conditions in OH using pulsed laser photolysis to produce OH radicals and laser induced fluorescence to monitor its temporal profile. Rate coefficients were measured over the temperature range 221-381 K at total pressures between 50 and 200 Torr (He). The reactions exhibited non-Arrhenius behavior over this temperature range and no dependence on total pressure with k(296 K) values of (9.68 ± 0.75), (9.72 ± 0.72), (8.88 ± 0.69), and (1.04 ± 0.08) (in units of 10(-12) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1)) for n-, i-, s-, and t-butanol, respectively. The quoted uncertainties are at the 2σ level and include estimated systematic errors. The observed non-Arrhenius behavior is interpreted here to result from a competition between the available H-atom abstraction reactive sites, which have different activation energies and pre-exponential factors. The present results are compared with results from previous kinetic studies, structure-activity relationships (SARs), and theoretical calculations and the discrepancies are discussed. Results from this work were combined with available high temperature (1200-1800 K) rate coefficient data and room temperature reaction end-product yields, where available, to derive a self-consistent site-specific set of reaction rate coefficients of the form AT(n) exp(-E/RT) for use in atmospheric and combustion chemistry modeling.