Isoprene and alpha-pinene are abundant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are emitted by trees and oxidized in the atmosphere. We have synthesized proposed products of isoprene and alpha-pinene oxidation and the oligomers that form from them. We utilize vibrational sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopic studies, which allow us to assess the surface chemical identity of aerosol-forming components on a molecular level, with the ability to control their stereochemistry. Since many VOCs are chiral, and chirality is known to influence materials properties, we explore the possibility of stereochemical transfer to atmospheric aerosol particles during the oxidation of biogenic VOCs. The spectral responses from these compounds are compared to those of synthetic isoprene- and alpha-pinene-derived aerosol particles, as well as natural aerosol particles. In addition, isotope editing is utilized in a combined theoretical, synthetic, and spectroscopic approach to better understand the surface orientation of alpha-pinene, as well as its oxidation chemistry.

Surface-specific vibrational spectroscopy of synthetic secondary organic aerosol particles and their precursors

245th National Meeting (2013)

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