Author(s)

M.E. Jenkin

Abstract

Peroxy Radicals as Intermediates in the Tropospheric Oxidation of Volatile Organic Compounds Invited contribution to subproject CMD ME Jenkin National Environmental Technology Centre, AEA Technology pic, E6 Culham, Introduction It is well established that the tropospheric oxidation of hydrocarbons and other volatile organic compounds (VOC) occurs predominantly by free radical- catalysed mechanisms in which the reactions of peroxy radicals participate (e. g. Atkinson, 1990). These reactions play an important role, therefore, in the generation of a variety of secondary pollutants which are formed from the oxidation of VOCs. Of particular interest is ozone (Os), which is generated as a by-product of VOC oxidation in the presence of nitrogen oxides: Og is known to have adverse effects on health, vegetation and materials, it is a greenhouse gas, and it promotes the oxidation of trace gases, both directly and as a free radical p

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