Secondary organic aerosols (SOA) are formed when volatile organic compounds (VOC) are oxidized in the atmosphere and then condense onto existing aerosol particles. Depending on physical and chemical properties, SOA can have either a warming or cooling effect on the climate. Investigating the reactive behavior of compounds commonly found in SOA will help improve understanding of these climate effects. Our compound of interest is alpha-pinene oxide (APO), which is an oxidation product of the biogenic VOC of alpha-pinene. The goal of this project is to study the kinetics of the hydrolysis of alpha-pinene oxide, as well as ascertain the pH-dependence of the reaction. It is not well known how quickly this reaction takes place in the atmosphere, especially in different pH-conditions. Using Raman spectroscopy, hydrolysis reactions of alpha-pinene oxide at varying ratios of APO: water and a range of pH conditions were monitored over time. The data resulting from these tests were then analyzed to characterize reaction order and rate constant, as well as identify the major products formed. We expect to see a positive correlation between pH and reaction rate, with the rate increasing as acidity increases.

Investigation of kinetics of alpha-pinene oxide hydrolysis

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.