The case for a more precise definition of regulated PFAS

We argue that there is a need for a more precise of PFAS in a way that avoids including compounds with single CF₃-, -CF₂-, or CF- groups and excludes TFA and compounds that degrade to just give TFA. An example that meets this need is the definition by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of PFAS as "per- and polyfluorinated substances that structurally contain the unit R-(CF₂)-C(F)(R₁)R₂. Both the CF₂ and CF moieties are saturated carbons and none of the R groups (R, R₁, or R₂) can be hydrogen". Adoption of this definition, or one like it, would place future technical and regulatory discussions of the environmental impacts of organo-fluorine compounds on a sounder technical footing by focusing PFAS discussions and regulation on long-chain perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids and perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids.

Updated Global Warming Potentials and Radiative Efficiencies of Halocarbons and Other Weak Atmospheric Absorbers

Human activity has led to increased atmospheric concentrations of many gases, including halocarbons, and may lead to emissions of many more gases. Many of these gases are, on a per molecule basis, powerful greenhouse gases, although at present-day concentrations their climate effect is in the so-called weak limit (i.e., their effect scales linearly with concentration). We published a comprehensive review of the radiative efficiencies (RE) and global warming potentials (GWP) for around 200 such compounds in 2013 (Hodnebrog et al., 2013, https://doi.org/10.1002/rog.20013). Here we present updated RE and GWP values for compounds where experimental infrared absorption spectra are available. Updated numbers are based on a revised "Pinnock curve", which gives RE as a function of wave number, and now also accounts for stratospheric temperature adjustment (Shine & Myhre, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019MS001951). Further updates include the implementation of around 500 absorption spectra additional to those in the 2013 review and new atmospheric lifetimes from the literature (mainly from WMO (2019)). In total, values for 60 of the compounds previously assessed are based on additional absorption spectra, and 42 compounds have REs which differ by >10% from our previous assessment. New RE calculations are presented for more than 400 compounds in addition to the previously assessed compounds, and GWP calculations are presented for a total of around 250 compounds. Present-day radiative forcing due to halocarbons and other weak absorbers is 0.38 [0.33-0.43] W m-2, compared to 0.36 [0.32-0.40] W m-2 in IPCC AR5 (Myhre et al., 2013, https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107415324.018), which is about 18% of the current CO2 forcing.

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.

Products from the Oxidation of n-Butane from 298 to 735 K Using Either Cl Atom or Thermal Initiation: Formation of Acetone and Acetic Acid-Possible Roaming Reactions?

The oxidation of 2-butyl radicals (and to a lesser extent 1-butyl radicals) has been studied over the temperature range of 298-735 K. The reaction of Cl atoms (formed by 360 nm irradiation of Cl₂) with n-butane generated the 2-butyl radicals in mixtures of n-C₄H₁₀, O₂, and Cl₂ at temperatures below 600 K. Above 600 K, 2-butyl radicals were produced by thermal combustion reactions in the absence of chlorine. The yields of the products were measured by gas chromatography using a flame ionization detector. Major products quantified include acetone, acetic acid, acetaldehyde, butanone, 2-butanol, butanal, 1- and 2- chlorobutane, 1-butene, trans-2-butene, and cis-2-butene. At 298 K, the major oxygenated products are those expected from bimolecular reactions of 2-butylperoxy radicals (butanone, 2-butanol, and acetaldehyde). As the temperature rises to 390 K, the butanone decreases while acetaldehyde increases because of the increased rate of 2-butoxy radical decomposition. Acetone and acetic acid first appear in significant yield near 400 K, and these species rise slowly at first and then sharply, peaking near 525 K at yields of ∼25 and ∼20 mol %, respectively. In the same temperature range (400-525 K), butanone, acetaldehyde, and 2-butanol decrease rapidly. This suggests that acetone and acetic acid may be formed by previously unknown reaction channels of the 2-butylperoxy radical, which are in competition with those that lead to butanone, acetaldehyde, and 2-butanol. Above 570 K, the yields of acetone and acetic acid fall rapidly as the yields of the butenes rise. Experiments varying the Cl atom density, which in turn controls the entire radical pool density, were performed in the temperature range of 410-440 K. Decreasing the Cl atom density increased the yields of acetone and acetic acid while the yields of butanone, acetaldehyde, and 2-butanol decreased. This is consistent with the formation of acetone and acetic acid by unimolecular decomposition channels of the 2-butylperoxy radical, which are in competition with the bimolecular channels that form butanone, acetaldehyde, and 2-butanol. Such unimolecular decomposition channels would be unlikely to proceed through conventional transition states because those states would be very constrained. Therefore, the possibility that these decomposition channels proceed via roaming should be considered. In addition, we investigated and were unable to fit our data trends by a simplified ketohydroperoxide mechanism.

Atmospheric chemistry of short-chain haloolefins: photochemical ozone creation potentials (POCPs), global warming potentials (GWPs), and ozone depletion potentials (ODPs)

Short-chain haloolefins are being introduced as replacements for saturated halocarbons. The unifying chemical feature of haloolefins is the presence of a CC double bond which causes the atmospheric lifetimes to be significantly shorter than for the analogous saturated compounds. We discuss the atmospheric lifetimes, photochemical ozone creation potentials (POCPs), global warming potentials (GWPs), and ozone depletion potentials (ODPs) of haloolefins. The commercially relevant short-chain haloolefins CF3CFCH2 (1234yf), trans-CF3CHCHF (1234ze(Z)), CF3CFCF2 (1216), cis-CF3CHCHCl (1233zd(Z)), and trans-CF3CHCHCl (1233zd(E)) have short atmospheric lifetimes (days to weeks), negligible POCPs, negligible GWPs, and ODPs which do not differ materially from zero. In the concentrations expected in the environment their atmospheric degradation products will have a negligible impact on ecosystems. CF3CFCH2 (1234yf), trans-CF3CHCHF (1234ze(Z)), CF3CFCF2 (1216), cis-CF3CHCHCl (1233zd(Z)), and trans-CF3CHCHCl (1233zd(E)) are environmentally acceptable.

Corn ethanol production, food exports, and indirect land use change

The approximately 100 million tonne per year increase in the use of corn to produce ethanol in the U.S. over the past 10 years, and projections of greater future use, have raised concerns that reduced exports of corn (and other agricultural products) and higher commodity prices would lead to land-use changes and, consequently, negative environmental impacts in other countries. The concerns have been driven by agricultural and trade models, which project that large-scale corn ethanol production leads to substantial decreases in food exports, increases in food prices, and greater deforestation globally. Over the past decade, the increased use of corn for ethanol has been largely matched by the increased corn harvest attributable mainly to increased yields. U.S. exports of corn, wheat, soybeans, pork, chicken, and beef either increased or remained unchanged. Exports of distillers' dry grains (DDG, a coproduct of ethanol production and a valuable animal feed) increased by more than an order of magnitude to 9 million tonnes in 2010. Increased biofuel production may lead to intensification (higher yields) and extensification (more land) of agricultural activities. Intensification and extensification have opposite impacts on land use change. We highlight the lack of information concerning the magnitude of intensification effects and the associated large uncertainties in assessments of the indirect land use change associated with corn ethanol.

Atmospheric chemistry of n-C6F13CH2CHO: formation from n-C6F13CH2CH2OH, kinetics, and mechanisms of reactions with chlorine atoms and OH radicals

Smog chamber FTIR techniques were used to measure k(Cl + n-C(6)F(13)CH(2)CHO) = (1.84 +/- 0.22) x 10(-11), k(Cl + n-C(6)F(13)CHO) = (1.75 +/- 0.70) x 10(-12), and k(OH + n-C(6)F(13)CH(2)CHO) = (2.15 +/- 0.26) x 10(-12) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) in 700 Torr of N(2) or air diluent at 296 +/- 2K. The chlorine-atom-initiated oxidation of n-C(6)F(13)CH(2)CH(2)OH in air gives n-C(6)F(13)CH(2)CHO in a molar yield of 99 +/- 8%. The atmospheric fate of n-C(6)F(13)CH(2)C(O) radicals is reaction with O(2), while the fate of n-C(6)F(13)C(O) radicals is decomposition to give n-C(6)F(13) radicals and CO. The results are discussed with respect to the atmospheric chemistry of fluorinated alcohols and the formation of perfluorocarboxylic acids.

Low-CO(2) electricity and hydrogen: a help or hindrance for electric and hydrogen vehicles?

The title question was addressed using an energy model that accounts for projected global energy use in all sectors (transportation, heat, and power) of the global economy. Global CO(2) emissions were constrained to achieve stabilization at 400-550 ppm by 2100 at the lowest total system cost (equivalent to perfect CO(2) cap-and-trade regime). For future scenarios where vehicle technology costs were sufficiently competitive to advantage either hydrogen or electric vehicles, increased availability of low-cost, low-CO(2) electricity/hydrogen delayed (but did not prevent) the use of electric/hydrogen-powered vehicles in the model. This occurs when low-CO(2) electricity/hydrogen provides more cost-effective CO(2) mitigation opportunities in the heat and power energy sectors than in transportation. Connections between the sectors leading to this counterintuitive result need consideration in policy and technology planning.

Fuel and vehicle technology choices for passenger vehicles in achieving stringent CO2 targets: connections between transportation and other energy sectors

The regionalized Global Energy Transition (GET-R 6.0) model has been modified to include a detailed description of light-duty vehicle options and used to investigate the potential impact of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and concentrating solar power (CSP) on cost-effective fuel/vehicle technologies in a carbon-constrained world. Total CO2 emissions were constrained to achieve stabilization at 400-550 ppm, by 2100, at lowesttotal system cost The dominantfuel/vehicle technologies varied significantly depending on CO2 constraint future cost of vehicle technologies, and availability of CCS and CSP. For many cases, no one technology dominated on a global scale. CCS provides relatively inexpensive low-CO2 electricity and heatwhich prolongs the use of traditional ICEVs. CSP displaces fossil fuel derived electricity, prolongs the use of traditional ICEVs, and promotes electrification of passenger vehicles. In all cases considered, CCS and CSP availability had a major impact on the lowest cost fuel/vehicle technologies, and alternative fuels are needed in response to expected dwindling oil and natural gas supply potential by the end of the century.

Atmospheric chemistry of sulfuryl fluoride: reaction with OH radicals, Cl atoms and O3, atmospheric lifetime, IR spectrum, and global warming potential

Sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2) is a radiatively active industrial chemical released into the atmosphere in significant (ktonne/ year) quantities. The potential for SO2F2 to contribute to radiative forcing of climate change needs to be assessed. Long path length FTIR/smog chamber techniques were used to investigate the kinetics of the gas-phase reactions of Cl atoms, OH radicals, and O3 with SO2F2, in 700 Torr total pressure of air or N2 at 296 +/- 1 K. Upper limits of k(Cl + SO2F2) < 9 x 10(-19), k(OH + SO2F2) < 1.7 x 10(-14) and k(O3 + SO2F2) < 5.5 x 10(-24) cm3 molecule(-1) s(-1) were determined. Reaction with Cl atoms, OH radicals, or O3 does not provide an efficient removal mechanism for SO2F2. The infrared spectrum of SO2F2 is reported and a radiative efficiency of 0.196 W m(-2) ppbv(-1) was calculated. Historic production data estimates are presented which provide an upper limit for expected atmospheric concentrations. The radiative forcing of climate change associated with emissions of SO2F2 depends critically on the atmospheric lifetime of SO2F2. Further research is urgently needed to define the magnitude of potential nonatmospheric sinks.

Atmospheric chemistry of 2-ethoxy-3,3,4,4,5-pentafluorotetrahydro-2,5-bis[1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl]-furan: kinetics, mechanisms, and products of Cl atom and OH radical initiated oxidation

Smog chamber/FTIR techniques were used to study the atmospheric chemistry of the title compound which we refer to as RfOC2H5. Rate constants of k(Cl + RfOC2H5) = (2.70 +/- 0.36) x 10(-12), k(OH + RfOC2H5) = (5.93 +/- 0.85) x 10(-14), and k(Cl + RfOCHO) = (1.34 +/- 0.20) x 10(-14) cm3 molecule(-1') s(-1) were measured in 700 Torr of N2, or air, diluent at 294 +/- 1 K. From the value of k(OH + RfOC2H5) the atmospheric lifetime of RfOC2H5 was estimated to be 1 year. Two competing loss mechanisms for RfOCH(O*)CH3 radicals were identified in 700 Torr of N2/O2 diluent at 294 +/- 1 K; decomposition via C-C bond scission giving a formate (RfOCHO), or reaction with 02 giving an acetate (RfOC(O)CH3). In 700 Torr of N2/O2 diluent at 294 +/- 1 K the rate constant ratio k(O2)/k(diss) = (1.26 +/- 0.74) x 10(-19) cm3 molecule(-1). The OH radical initiated atmospheric oxidation of RfOC2H5 gives Rf0CHO and RfOC(O)CH3 as major products. RfOC2H5 has a global warming potential of approximately 55 for a 100 year horizon. The results are discussed with respect to the atmospheric chemistry and environmental impact of RfOC2H5.

Rate Constants for the Reaction of Cl with a Series of C4 to C6 Ketones Using the Relative Rate Method

Rate constants for the reaction of Cl with eight ketones were measured relative to the rate constant of propane in approximately 900 Torr of N2 at ambient temperature. Experiments were carried out in a Pyrex reactor with GC analysis of the consumption of the ketones and propane. Chlorine atoms were generated by irradiation of Cl2 in the initial mixture using a black-light-blue fluorescent lamp. The rate constants determined in these experiments (10-11 cm3 molecule-1 s-1) are: butanone (3.8 +/- 0.3); 2-pentanone (11.6 +/- 1.0); 3-pentanone (8.3 +/- 0.7); 2-hexanone (19.4 +/- 1.9); 3-hexanone (15.3 +/- 1.1); cyclopentanone (10.4 +/- 0.9); 3-methyl-2-butanone (6.2 +/- 0.5); and 4-methyl-2-pentanone (12.8 +/- 1.0). The results for 2-pentanone, 3-pentanone, 2-hexanone, 3-hexanone, 3-methyl-2-butanone, and 4-methyl-2-pentanone are significantly higher (by a factor of 3 for 2-hexanone) than reported in two previous absolute rate studies. The likely explanation for this discrepancy is discussed.

Atmospheric Chemistry of the Z and E Isomers of CF3CFCHF; Kinetics, Mechanisms, and Products of Gas-Phase Reactions with Cl Atoms, OH Radicals, and O3

Smog chamber/FTIR techniques were used to study the atmospheric chemistry of the Z and E isomers of CF3CF=CHF, which we refer to as CF3CF=CHF(Z) and CF3CF=CHF(E). The rate constants k(Cl + CF3CF=CHF(Z)) = (4.36 +/- 0.48) x 10-11, k(OH + CF3CF=CHF(Z)) = (1.22 +/- 0.14) x 10-12, and k(O3 + CF3CF=CHF(Z)) = (1.45 +/- 0.15) x 10-21 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 were determined for the Z isomer of CF3CF=CHF in 700 Torr air diluent at 296 +/- 2 K. The rate constants k(Cl + CF3CF=CHF(E)) = (5.00 +/- 0.56) x 10-11, k(OH + CF3CF=CHF(E)) = (2.15 +/- 0.23) x 10-12, and k(O3 + CF3CF=CHF(E)) = (1.98 +/- 0.15) x 10-20 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 were determined for the E isomer of CF3CF=CHF in 700 Torr air diluent at 296 +/- 2 K. Both the Cl-atom and OH-radical-initiated atmospheric oxidation of CF3CF=CHF give CF3C(O)F and HC(O)F in molar yields indistinguishable from 100% for both the Z and E isomer. CF3CF=CHF(Z) has an atmospheric lifetime of approximately 18 days and a global warming potential (100 year time horizon) of approximately 6. CF3CF=CHF(E) has an atmospheric lifetime of approximately 10 days and a global warming potential (100 year time horizon) of approximately 3. CF3CF=CHF has a negligible global warming potential and will not make any significant contribution to radiative forcing of climate change.

Atmospheric chemistry of 4:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (n-C4F9CH2CH2OH): products and mechanism of Cl atom initiated oxidation in the presence of NOx

Smog chamber/FTIR techniques were used to study the Cl atom initiated oxidation of 4:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (C(4)F(9)CH(2)CH(2)OH, 4:2 FTOH) in the presence of NO(x) in 700 Torr of N(2)/O(2) diluent at 296 K. Chemical activation effects play an important role in the atmospheric chemistry of the peroxy, and possibly the alkoxy, radicals derived from 4:2 FTOH. Cl atoms react with C(4)F(9)CH(2)CH(2)OH to give C(4)F(9)CH(2)C(*)HOH radicals which add O(2) to give chemically activated alpha-hydroxyperoxy radicals, [C(4)F(9)CH(2)C(OO(*))HOH]*. In 700 Torr of N(2)/O(2) at 296 K, approximately 50% of the [C(4)F(9)CH(2)C(OO(*))HOH]* radicals decompose "promptly" to give HO(2) radicals and C(4)F(9)CH(2)CHO, the remaining [C(4)F(9)CH(2)C(OO(*))HOH]* radicals undergo collisional deactivation to give thermalized peroxy radicals, C(4)F(9)CH(2)C(OO(*))HOH. Decomposition to HO(2) and C(4)F(9)CH(2)CHO is the dominant atmospheric fate of the thermalized peroxy radicals. In the presence of excess NO, the thermalized peroxy radicals react to give C(4)F(9)CH(2)C(O(*))HOH radicals which then decompose at a rate >2.5 x 10(6) s(-1) to give HC(O)OH and the alkyl radical C(4)F(9)CH(2)(*). The primary products of 4:2 FTOH oxidation in the presence of excess NO(x) are C(4)F(9)CH(2)CHO, C(4)F(9)CHO, and HCOOH. Secondary products include C(4)F(9)CH(2)C(O)O(2)NO(2), C(4)F(9)C(O)O(2)NO(2), and COF(2). In contrast to experiments conducted in the absence of NO(x), there was no evidence (<2% yield) for the formation of the perfluorinated acid C(4)F(9)C(O)OH. The results are discussed with regard to the atmospheric chemistry of fluorotelomer alcohols.

Atmospheric chemistry of CF3CH=CH2 and C4F9CH=CH2: products of the gas-phase reactions with Cl atoms and OH radicals

FTIR-smog chamber techniques were used to study the products of the Cl atom and OH radical initiated oxidation of CF3CH=CH2 in 700 Torr of N2/O2, diluent at 296 K. The Cl atom initiated oxidation of CF3CH=CH2 in 700 Torr of air in the absence of NOx gives CF3C(O)CH2Cl and CF3CHO in yields of 70+/-5% and 6.2+/-0.5%, respectively. Reaction with Cl atoms proceeds via addition to the >C=C< double bond (74+/-4% to the terminal and 26+/-4% to the central carbon atom) and leads to the formation of CF3CH(O)CH2Cl and CF3CHClCH2O radicals. Reaction with O2 and decomposition via C-C bond scission are competing loss mechanisms for CF3CH(O)CH2Cl radicals, kO2/kdiss=(3.8+/-1.8)x10(-18) cm3 molecule-1. The atmospheric fate of CF3CHClCH2O radicals is reaction with O2 to give CF3CHClCHO. The OH radical initiated oxidation of CxF2x+1CH=CH2 (x=1 and 4) in 700 Torr of air in the presence of NOx gives CxF2x+1CHO in a yield of 88+/-9%. Reaction with OH radicals proceeds via addition to the >C=C< double bond leading to the formation of CxF2x+1C(O)HCH2OH and CxF2x+1CHOHCH2O radicals. Decomposition via C-C bond scission is the sole fate of CxF2x+1CH(O)CH2OH and CxF2x+1CH(OH)CH2O radicals. As part of this work a rate constant of k(Cl+CF3C(O)CH2Cl)=(5.63+/-0.66)x10(-14) cm3 molecule-1 s-1 was determined. The results are discussed with respect to previous literature data and the possibility that the atmospheric oxidation of CxF2x+1CH=CH2 contributes to the observed burden of perfluorocarboxylic acids, CxF2x+1COOH, in remote locations.

Atmospheric Chemistry of a Model Biodiesel Fuel, CH3C(O)O(CH2)2OC(O)CH3: Kinetics, Mechanisms, and Products of Cl Atom and OH Radical Initiated Oxidation in the Presence and Absence of NOx

Relative rate techniques were used to study the kinetics of the reactions of Cl atoms and OH radicals with ethylene glycol diacetate, CH3C(O)O(CH2)2OC(O)CH3, in 700 Torr of N2/O2 diluent at 296 K. The rate constants measured were k(Cl + CH3C(O)O(CH2)2OC(O)CH3) = (5.7 +/- 1.1) x 10(-12) and k(OH + CH3C(O)O(CH2)2OC(O)CH3) = (2.36 +/- 0.34) x 10(-12) cm3 molecule-1 s-1. Product studies of the Cl atom initiated oxidation of ethylene glycol diacetate in the absence of NO in 700 Torr of O2/N2 diluent at 296 K show the primary products to be CH3C(O)OC(O)CH2OC(O)CH3, CH3C(O)OC(O)H, and CH3C(O)OH. Product studies of the Cl atom initiated oxidation of ethylene glycol diacetate in the presence of NO in 700 Torr of O2/N2 diluent at 296 K show the primary products to be CH3C(O)OC(O)H and CH3C(O)OH. The CH3C(O)OCH2O* radical is formed during the Cl atom initiated oxidation of ethylene glycol diacetate, and two loss mechanisms were identified: reaction with O2 to give CH3C(O)OC(O)H and alpha-ester rearrangement to give CH3C(O)OH and HC(O) radicals. The reaction of CH3C(O)OCH2O2* with NO gives chemically activated CH3C(O)OCH2O* radicals which are more likely to undergo decomposition via the alpha-ester rearrangement than CH3C(O)OCH2O* radicals produced in the peroxy radical self-reaction.

Kinetics, Products, and Stereochemistry of the Reaction of Chlorine Atoms with cis- and trans-2-Butene in 10−700 Torr of N2 or N2/O2 Diluent at 297 K

The reactions of Cl atoms with cis- and trans-2-butene have been studied using FTIR and GC analyses. The rate constant of the reaction was measured using the relative rate technique. Rate constants for the cis and trans isomers are indistinguishable over the pressure range 10-900 Torr of N2 or air and agree well with previous measurements at 760 Torr. Product yields for the reaction of cis-2-butene with Cl in N2 at 700 Torr are meso-2,3-dichlorobutane (47%), DL-2,3-dichlorobutane (18%), 3-chloro-1-butene (13%), cis-1-chloro-2-butene (13%), trans-1-chloro-2-butene (2%), and trans-2-butene (8%). The yields of these products depend on the total pressure. For trans-2-butene, the product yields are as follows: meso-2,3-dichlorobutane (48%), dl-2,3-dichlorobutane (17%), 3-chloro-1-butene (12%), cis-1-chloro-2-butene (2%), trans-1-chloro-2-butene (16%), and cis-2-butene (2%). The products are formed via addition, addition-elimination from a chemically activated adduct, and abstraction reactions. These reactions form (1) the stabilized 3-chloro-2-butyl radical, (2) the chemically activated 3-chloro-2-butyl radical, and (3) the methylallyl radical. These radicals subsequently react with Cl2 to form the products via a proposed chemical mechanism, which is discussed herein. This is the first detailed study of stereochemical effects on the products of a gas-phase Cl+olefin reaction. FTIR spectra (0.25 cm(-1) resolution) of meso- and DL-2,3-dichlorobutane are presented. The relative rate technique was used (at 900 Torr and 297 K) to measure: k(Cl + 3-chloro-1-butene) = (2.1 +/- 0.4) x 10(-10), k(Cl + 1-chloro-2-butene) = (2.2 +/- 0.4) x 10(-10), and k(Cl + 2,3-dichlorobutane) = (1.1 +/- 0.2) x 10(-11) cm3 molecule(-1) s(-1).

Investigation of the radical product channel of the CH3C(O)O2 + HO2 reaction in the gas phase

The reaction of CH(3)C(O)O(2) with HO(2) has been investigated at 296 K and 700 Torr using long path FTIR spectroscopy, during photolysis of Cl(2)/CH(3)CHO/CH(3)OH/air mixtures. The branching ratio for the reaction channel forming CH(3)C(O)O, OH and O(2) (reaction ) has been determined from experiments in which OH radicals were scavenged by addition of benzene to the system, with subsequent formation of phenol used as the primary diagnostic for OH radical formation. The dependence of the phenol yield on benzene concentration was found to be consistent with its formation from the OH-initiated oxidation of benzene, thereby confirming the presence of OH radicals in the system. The dependence of the phenol yield on the initial peroxy radical precursor reagent concentration ratio, [CH(3)OH](0)/[CH(3)CHO](0), is consistent with OH formation resulting mainly from the reaction of CH(3)C(O)O(2) with HO(2) in the early stages of the experiments, such that the limiting yield of phenol at high benzene concentrations is well-correlated with that of CH(3)C(O)OOH, a well-established product of the CH(3)C(O)O(2) + HO(2) reaction (via channel (3a)). However, a delayed source of phenol was also identified, which is attributed mainly to an analogous OH-forming channel of the reaction of HO(2) with HOCH(2)O(2) (reaction ), formed from the reaction of HO(2) with product HCHO. This was investigated in additional series of experiments in which Cl(2)/CH(3)OH/benzene/air and Cl(2)/HCHO/benzene/air mixtures were photolysed. The various reaction systems were fully characterised by simulations using a detailed chemical mechanism. This allowed the following branching ratios to be determined: CH(3)C(O)O(2) + HO(2)--> CH(3)C(O)OOH + O(2), k(3a)/k(3) = 0.38 +/- 0.13; --> CH(3)C(O)OH + O(3), k(3b)/k(3) = 0.12 +/- 0.04; --> CH(3)C(O)O + OH + O(2), k(3c)/k(3) = 0.43 +/- 0.10: HOCH(2)O(2) + HO(2)--> HCOOH + H(2)O + O(2), k(17b)/k(17) = 0.30 +/- 0.06; --> HOCH(2)O + OH + O(2), k(17c)/k(17) = 0.20 +/- 0.05. The results therefore provide strong evidence for significant participation of the radical-forming channels of these reactions, with the branching ratio for the title reaction being in good agreement with the value reported in one previous study. As part of this work, the kinetics of the reaction of Cl atoms with phenol (reaction (14)) have also been investigated. The rate coefficient was determined relative to the rate coefficient for the reaction of Cl with CH(3)OH, during the photolysis of mixtures of Cl(2), phenol and CH(3)OH, in either N(2) or air at 296 K and 760 Torr. A value of k(14) = (1.92 +/- 0.17) x 10(-10) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) was determined from the experiments in N(2), in agreement with the literature. In air, the apparent rate coefficient was about a factor of two lower, which is interpreted in terms of regeneration of phenol from the product phenoxy radical, C(6)H(5)O, possibly via its reaction with HO(2).

Kinetics and mechanism of the gas phase reaction of chlorine atoms with i-propanol

FTIR smog chamber techniques and ab initio calculations have been used to investigate the kinetics and mechanism of the reaction of Cl atoms with i-propanol in 700 Torr of N(2) at 296 K. The reaction is observed to proceed with a rate constant of k(1) = (8.28 +/- 0.97) x 10(-11) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) and gives CH(3)C(OH)CH(3) and CH(3)CH(OH)CH(2) radicals in yields of 85 +/- 7 and 15 +/- 7%, respectively. Calculations indicate that abstraction of the secondary H can proceed through a lower energy pathway than the primary. Rapid decomposition of the chlorination product CH(3)CCl(OH)CH(3) complicates its direct detection, likely due to heterogeneous chemistry. IR spectra for the chlorides CH(3)CCl(OH)CH(3) and CH(3)CH(OH)CH(2)Cl were inferred experimentally and assignments confirmed via comparison with ab initio computed spectra.

Atmospheric Chemistry of n-CxF2x+1CHO (x = 1, 2, 3, 4): Fate of n-CxF2x+1C(O) Radicals

Smog chamber/FTIR techniques were used to study the atmospheric fate of n-C(x)F(2)(x)(+1)C(O) (x = 1, 2, 3, 4) radicals in 700 Torr O(2)/N(2) diluent at 298 +/- 3 K. A competition is observed between reaction with O(2) to form n-C(x)()F(2)(x)()(+1)C(O)O(2) radicals and decomposition to form n-C(x)F(2)(x)(+1) radicals and CO. In 700 Torr O(2)/N(2) diluent at 298 +/- 3 K, the rate constant ratio, k(n-C(x)F(2)(x)(+1)C(O) + O(2) --> n-C(x)F(2)(x)(+1)C(O)O(2))/k(n-C(x)F(2)(x)(+1)C(O) --> n-C(x)F(2)(x)(+1) + CO) = (1.30 +/- 0.05) x 10(-17), (1.90 +/- 0.17) x 10(-19), (5.04 +/- 0.40) x 10(-20), and (2.67 +/- 0.42) x 10(-20) cm(3) molecule(-1) for x = 1, 2, 3, 4, respectively. In one atmosphere of air at 298 K, reaction with O(2) accounts for 99%, 50%, 21%, and 12% of the loss of n-C(x)F(2)(x)(+1)C(O) radicals for x = 1, 2, 3, 4, respectively. Results are discussed with respect to the atmospheric chemistry of n-C(x)F(2)(x)(+1)C(O) radicals and their possible role in contributing to the formation of perfluorocarboxylic acids in the environment.

Atmospheric Chemistry of Perfluorinated Aldehyde Hydrates (n-CxF2x+1CH(OH)2, x = 1, 3, 4): Hydration, Dehydration, and Kinetics and Mechanism of Cl Atom and OH Radical Initiated Oxidation

Smog chamber/Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques were used to measure k(Cl+C(x)F(2x+1)CH(OH)(2)) (x = 1, 3, 4) = (5.84 +/- 0.92) x 10(-13) and k(OH+C(x)F(2x+1)CH(OH)(2)) = (1.22 +/- 0.26) x 10(-13) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) in 700 Torr of N(2) or air at 296 +/- 2 K. The Cl initiated oxidation of CF(3)CH(OH)(2) in 700 Torr of air gave CF(3)COOH in a molar yield of 101 +/- 6%. IR spectra of C(x)F(2x+1)CH(OH)(2) (x = 1, 3, 4) were recorded and are presented. An upper limit of k(CF(3)CHO+H(2)O) < 2 x 10(-23) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) was established for the gas-phase hydration of CF(3)CHO. Bubbling CF(3)CHO/air mixtures through liquid water led to >80% conversion of CF(3)CHO into the hydrate within the approximately 2 s taken for passage through the bubbler. These results suggest that OH radical initiated oxidation of C(x)F(2x+1)CH(OH)(2) hydrates could be a significant source of perfluorinated carboxylic acids in the environment.

Formation of C7F15COOH (PFOA) and other perfluorocarboxylic acids during the atmospheric oxidation of 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol

Calculations using a three-dimensional global atmospheric chemistry model (IMPACT) indicate that n-C8F17CH2CH2OH (widely used in industrial and consumer products) degrades in the atmosphere to give perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and other perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs). PFOA is persistent, bioaccumulative, and potentially toxic. Molar yields of PFOA depend on location and season, are in the range of 1-10%, and are of the correct order of magnitude to explain the observed levels in Arctic fauna. Fluorotelomer alcohols such as n-C8F17CH2CH2OH appear to be a significant global source of persistent bioaccumulative perfluorocarboxylic acid pollution. This is the first modeling study of the atmospheric chemistry of a fluorotelomer alcohol.

Atmospheric chemistry of perfluoroalkanesulfonamides: kinetic and product studies of the OH radical and Cl atom initiated oxidation of N-ethyl perfluorobutanesulfonamide

Perfluorooctanesulfonamides [C8F17SO2N(R1)(R2)] are present in the atmosphere and may, via atmospheric transport and oxidation, contribute to perfluorocarboxylates (PFCA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) pollution in remote locations. Smog chamber experiments with the perfluorobutanesulfonyl analogue N-ethyl perfluorobutanesulfonamide [NEtFBSA; C4F9SO2N(H)CH2CH3] were performed to assess this possibility. By use of relative rate methods, rate constants for reactions of NEtFBSA with chlorine atoms (296 K) and OH radicals (301 K) were determined to be kCL) = (8.37 +/- 1.44) x 10(-12) and kOH = (3.74 +/- 0.77) x 10(-13) cm3 molecule(-1) s(-1), indicating OH reactions will be dominant in the troposphere. Simple modeling exercises suggestthat reaction with OH radicals will dominate removal of perfluoroalkanesulfonamides from the gas phase (wet and dry deposition will not be important) and that the atmospheric lifetime of NEtFBSA in the gas phase will be 20-50 days, thus allowing substantial long-range atmospheric transport. Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis showed that the primary products of chlorine atom initiated oxidation were the ketone C4F9SO2N(H)COCH3; aldehyde 1, C4F9SO2N(H)CH2CHO; and a product identified as C4F9SO2N(C2H5O)- by high-resolution MS but whose structure remains tentative. Another reaction product, aldehyde 2, C4F9SO2N(H)CHO, was also observed and was presumed to be a secondary oxidation product of aldehyde 1. Perfluorobutanesulfonate was not detected above the level of the blank in any sample; however, three perfluoroalkanecarboxylates (C3F7CO2-, C2F5CO2-, and CF3CO2-) were detected in all samples. Taken together, results suggest a plausible route by which perfluorooctanesulfonamides may serve as atmospheric sources of PFCAs, including perfluorooctanoic acid.