The heterogeneous uptake of ozone on liquid and solid atmospheric particles is of major importance for the processing of aromatic hydrocarbons in the atmosphere. Our research explores how aqueous microdroplets carrying aromatic probes react with [O3(g)] = 40 ppbv�6.0 ppmv during a few microseconds to generate primary ozonide reactive intermediates and a cascade of products. Because the reaction intermediates identified by mass spectrometry would disappear in bulk water >104 times faster than the timescale of the heterogeneous reaction, the observed mechanism is proposed to proceed at the air-water interface. Mechanistic information will reveal the addition of two and three oxygen atoms to the primary products. The fast addition of oxygen atoms to the parent peak and to first-generation products will be explained based on interfacial processes not observable in bulk water. This study suggests that heterogeneous ozonation reactions have the potential to impact the chemical balance of the atmosphere.

Ozonation of aromatic hydrocarbon probes at the air-water interface

248th National Meeting (2014)

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