A detailed understanding of the chemistry of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from precursor compounds is hindered by the complexities arising from multiple reaction pathways and generations of oxidation. Here, we constrain radical oxidation chemistry to a single reaction pathway by forming SOA from the direct photolytic generation of alkoxy radicals from alkyl nitrite (RONO) species. This yields one specific alkoxy radical, which greatly simplifies the subsequent chemistry by allowing for individual reaction steps and pathways to be examined. Smog chamber experiments with a series of C7 alkyl nitrite isomers were conducted and the major product species were determined for each using aerosol mass spectrometry. The time-evolution of individual product species are considered in the context of product yields and gas-particle partitioning, providing new insight into SOA formation from alkanes, and in particular highlighting the important role of minor pathways in SOA formation chemistry.

Formation of secondary organic aerosol  from the photolytic generation of alkoxy radicals

244th National Meeting (2012)

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