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Understanding the role of isoprene in mediating atmospheric nitrogen chemistry

  • Arisa Iwasaki
  • , Aubrey E. Cavender
  • , Kimberly A. Hill
  • , Cory J. Moffat
  • , Amanda L. Lockwood
  • , Levi H. Mielke
  • , Anne E. Perring
  • , Ronald C. Cohen
  • , Paul B. Shepson
  • Purdue University
  • University of California at Berkeley

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Isoprene (C5H8; 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene) is the dominant volatile organic compound (VOC) emitted into the troposphere. It is very reactive with hydroxyl radicals and, in the presence of NO, can oxidize to form ozone. During this chain reaction, some NOx is consumed to produce isoprene nitrates (RONO2), with six possible isomeric structures. However, it is known that these isoprene nitrates are still quite reactive and through this secondary oxidation chemistry can either form more oxidized and water-soluble product nitrates or re-release NOx. This continuous chain reaction is crucial in understanding the fate of NOx in forest-impacted environments. To test our knowledge of this process for isoprene, we developed a detailed model of isoprene chemistry and tested it against smog chamber irradiations of isoprene in the presence of NOx. Here we discuss model simulations of the isomer distribution and the impact of ozonolysis of isoprene nitrates on the atmospheric distribution of organic nitrogen.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAmerican Chemical Society - 237th National Meeting and Exposition, ACS 2009, Abstracts of Scientific Papers
StatePublished - 2009
Event237th National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society, ACS 2009 - Salt Lake City, UT, United States
Duration: Mar 22 2009Mar 26 2009

Publication series

NameACS National Meeting Book of Abstracts
ISSN (Print)0065-7727

Conference

Conference237th National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society, ACS 2009
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySalt Lake City, UT
Period03/22/0903/26/09

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