Aerosols are hypothesized to be chemical reaction vessels in which life could have evolved due in part to organics that can be selectively concentrated at the air/water interface.  Organic acids have a large range of size, functionality, and chemical fate in the atmosphere.  Specifically, the most abundant dicarboxylic acids result from the photochemical oxidation of longer chain acids which have been identified as the most likely candidates for various prebiotic scenarios.  Recent research at the air/water interface has shown that dicarboxylic acid behavior is more complex than initially believed.  By using a direct molecular approach exploring their concentration dependence as well as changes in the bulk pH, the behavior of these acids is revealed.  This talk will explore their adsorption behavior via vibrational sum frequency spectroscopy, surface tension, and computational studies.  How their surface molecular properties and adsorption are affected by relevant atmospheric solutes will also be discussed.

Dicarboxylic adsorption at the air/water interface: Complex behavior from small molecules

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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