Author(s)

A. Hoffmann, H. Hein, H. Somnitz and R. Zellner

Abstract

The Reactions of 2-Butoxy Radicals in the Troposphere: Kinetics, Mechanism and Ozone Formation Potential A contribution to subproject CMD A. Hoffmann, H Hein, H Somnitz and R. Zellner Institutfur Physikalische und Theoretische Chemie, Universitdt GH Essen, Universitdtsstr. 5, D-45117 Essen, Germany Introduction Alkoxy radicals are important key intermediates in the oxidation of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) under NO%-rich, tropospheric conditions. The branching ratio of their reactions (reaction with Oi, unimolecular decomposition and isomerization) determines the number of NO/NOa conversions. Since NO: is readily photolysed, these NO/NO: conversions are the crucial reactions for ozone formation during photochemical smog episodes. Although a variety of experimental studies have recently been performed on reactions of alkoxy radicals (Eberhard et al, 1995, Atkinson et al, 1

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