Stability of Monoterpene-Derived α-Hydroxyalkyl-Hydroperoxides in Aqueous Organic Media: Relevance to the Fate of Hydroperoxides in Aerosol Particle Phases

Rapid Iron-Mediated Aqueous-Phase Reactions of Organic Peroxides from Monoterpene-Derived Criegee Intermediates and Implications for Aerosol and Cloud Chemistry

Fenton-like reactions between organic peroxides and transition-metal ions in the atmospheric aqueous phase have profound impacts on the chemistry, composition, and health effects of aerosols. However, the kinetics, mechanisms, and key influencing factors of such reactions remain poorly understood. In this study, we synthesized a series of monoterpene-derived α-acyloxyalkyl hydroperoxides (AAHPs), an important class of organic peroxides formed from Criegee intermediates during the ozonolysis of alkenes, and investigated their Fenton-like reactions with iron ions in the aqueous phase. We found that the AAHPs are essentially chemically inert to Fe3+ but highly reactive toward Fe2+. The aqueous-phase reaction rate constant between AAHPs and Fe2+ (kIIAAHP+Fe(II)) was determined to range between 11.0 ± 0.8 and 150.0 ± 3.3 M-1 s-1, depending positively on the solution pH (1-3), water content (50%-90%), and temperature (8-25 °C). Meanwhile, the kIIAAHP+Fe(II) value is linearly correlated to the O/C ratio of AAHPs, which allows for the estimation of the Fenton-like reactivity of AAHPs based on their oxygenation level. In addition, the decomposition of AAHPs via Fenton-like reactions with Fe2+ predominantly yields alkoxy (RO) radicals with the production yield of OH radicals smaller than 16%. Similar to synthesized AAHPs, several abundant peroxides including the pinonic acid-derived AAHP exhibit high Fenton-like reactivity toward Fe2+ but low reactivity toward Fe3+ in dissolved α-pinene secondary organic aerosol. A quantitative analysis based on the measured kinetics suggests that Fenton-like reactions are important and even dominant drivers behind the transformation of AAHPs in the atmosphere, which would significantly affect atmospheric multiphase chemistry and aerosol health impacts.

Atmospheric Intermediates at the Air-Water Interface

The air-water interface (AWI) is a ubiquitous reaction field different from the bulk phase where unexpected reactions and physical processes often occur. The AWI is a region where air contacts cloud droplets, aerosol particles, the ocean surface, and biological surfaces such as fluids that line human epithelia. In Earth's atmosphere, short-lived intermediates are expected to be generated at the AWI during multiphase reactions. Recent experimental developments have enabled the direct detection of atmospherically relevant, short-lived intermediates at the AWI. For example, spray ionization mass spectrometric analysis of water microjets exposed to a gaseous mixture of ozone and water vapor combined with a 266 nm laser flash photolysis system (LFP-SIMS) has been used to directly probe organic peroxyl radicals (RO2·) produced by interfacial hydroxyl radicals (OH·) + organic compound reactions. OH· emitted immediately after the laser flash photolysis of carboxylic acid at the gas-liquid interface have been directly detected by time-resolved, laser-induced florescence techniques that can be used to study atmospheric multiphase photoreactions. In this Featured Article, we show some recent experimental advances in the detection of atmospherically important intermediates at the AWI and the associated reaction mechanisms. We also discuss current challenges and future prospects for atmospheric multiphase chemistry.

Hydrolysis reactivity reveals significant seasonal variation in the composition of organic peroxides in ambient PM2.5

Atmospheric organic peroxides (POs) play a key role in the formation of O3 and secondary organic aerosol (SOA), impacting both air quality and human health. However, there still remain technical challenges in investigating the reactivity of POs in ambient aerosols due to the instability and lack of standards for POs, impeding accurate evaluation of their environmental impacts. In the present study, we conducted the first attempt to categorize and quantify POs in ambient PM2.5 through hydrolysis, which is an important transformation pathway for POs, thus revealing the reactivities of various POs. POs were generally categorized into hydrolyzable POs (HPO) and unhydrolyzable POs (UPO). HPO were further categorized into three groups: short-lifetime HPO (S-HPO), intermediate-lifetime HPO (I-HPO), and long-lifetime HPO (L-HPO). S-HPO and L-HPO are typically formed from Criegee intermediate (CI) and RO2 radical reactions, respectively. Results show that L-HPO are the most abundant HPO, indicating the dominant role of RO2 pathway in HPO formation. Despite their lower concentration compared to L-HPO, S-HPO make a major contribution to the HPO hydrolysis rate due to their faster rate constants. The hydrolysis of PM2.5 POs accounts for 19 % of the nighttime gas-phase H2O2 growth during the summer observation, constituting a noteworthy source of gas-phase H2O2 and contributing to the atmospheric oxidation capacity. Seasonal and weather conditions significantly impact the composition of POs, with HPO concentrations in summer being significantly higher than those in winter and elevated under rainy and nighttime conditions. POs are mainly composed of HPO in summer, while in winter, POs are dominated by UPO.

Functional Group Analysis of α-Pinene Oxidation Products Using Derivatization Reactions and High-Resolution Electrospray Ionization Collision-Induced Dissociation Mass Spectrometry

Oxidation products of monoterpenes (C10H16) play a significant role as precursors for secondary organic aerosol formation. They contain several structural isomers with multifunctional groups. However, only a few of these isomers have been identified experimentally. We describe a measurement technique for identifying oxygen-containing functional groups (carbonyl, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups) included in monoterpene oxidation products. This technique involves (i) three derivatization reactions (oximation of carbonyls by O-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl) hydroxylamine, methyl esterification of carboxylic acids by trimethylsilyl diazomethane, and acylation of alcohols by acetic anhydride), (ii) no preseparation high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and (iii) collision-induced dissociation. This technique was applied to functional group analysis of ozonolysis products for α-pinene. Multifunctional groups of known ozonolysis products were accurately identified. Furthermore, we successfully estimated the multifunctional groups of products that have not been previously reported.

Organic Peroxides in Aerosol: Key Reactive Intermediates for Multiphase Processes in the Atmosphere

Organic peroxides (POs) are organic molecules with one or more peroxide (-O-O-) functional groups. POs are commonly regarded as chemically labile termination products from gas-phase radical chemistry and therefore serve as temporary reservoirs for oxidative radicals (HOx and ROx) in the atmosphere. Owing to their ubiquity, active gas-particle partitioning behavior, and reactivity, POs are key reactive intermediates in atmospheric multiphase processes determining the life cycle (formation, growth, and aging), climate, and health impacts of aerosol. However, there remain substantial gaps in the origin, molecular diversity, and fate of POs due to their complex nature and dynamic behavior. Here, we summarize the current understanding on atmospheric POs, with a focus on their identification and quantification, state-of-the-art analytical developments, molecular-level formation mechanisms, multiphase chemical transformation pathways, as well as environmental and health impacts. We find that interactions with SO2 and transition metal ions are generally the fast PO transformation pathways in atmospheric liquid water, with lifetimes estimated to be minutes to hours, while hydrolysis is particularly important for α-substituted hydroperoxides. Meanwhile, photolysis and thermolysis are likely minor sinks for POs. These multiphase PO transformation pathways are distinctly different from their gas-phase fates, such as photolysis and reaction with OH radicals, which highlights the need to understand the multiphase partitioning of POs. By summarizing the current advances and remaining challenges for the investigation of POs, we propose future research priorities regarding their origin, fate, and impacts in the atmosphere.

Stability of Terpenoid-Derived Secondary Ozonides in Aqueous Organic Media

1,2,4-Trioxolanes, known as secondary ozonides (SOZs), are key products of ozonolysis of biogenic terpenoids. Functionalized terpenoid-derived SOZs are readily taken up into atmospheric aerosols; however, their condensed-phase fates remain unknown. Here, we report the results of a time-dependent mass spectrometric investigation into the liquid-phase fates of C₁₀ and C₁₃ SOZs synthesized by ozonolysis of a C₁₀ monoterpene alcohol (α-terpineol) in water:acetone (1:1 = vol:vol) mixtures. Isomerization of Criegee intermediates and bimolecular reaction of Criegee intermediates with acetone produced C₁₀ and C₁₃ SOZs, respectively, which were detected as their Na⁺-adducts by positive-ion electrospray mass spectrometry. Use of CD₃COCD₃, D₂O, and H₂¹⁸O solvents enabled identification of three types of C₁₃ SOZs (aldehyde, ketone, and lactol) and other products. These SOZs were surprisingly stable in water:acetone (1:1) mixtures at T = 298 K, with some persisting for at least a week. Theoretical calculations supported the high stability of the lactol-type C₁₃ SOZ formed from the aldehyde-type C₁₃ SOZ via intramolecular rearrangement. The present results suggest that terpenoid-derived SOZs can persist in atmospheric condensed phases, potentially until they are delivered to the epithelial lining fluid of the pulmonary alveoli via inhaled particulate matter, where they may exert hitherto unrecognized adverse health effects.

Unveiling the pH-Dependent Yields of H2O2 and OH by Aqueous-Phase Ozonolysis of m-Cresol in the Atmosphere

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and hydroxyl radical (OH) are important oxidants in the atmospheric aqueous phase such as cloud droplets and deliquescent aerosol particles, playing a significant role in the chemical transformation of organic and inorganic pollutants in the atmosphere. Atmospheric aqueous-phase chemistry has been considered to be a source of H₂O₂ and OH. However, our understanding of the mechanisms of their formation in atmospheric waters is still incomplete. Here, we show that the aqueous-phase reaction of dissolved ozone (O₃) with substituted phenols such as m-cresol represents an important source of H₂O₂ and OH exhibiting pH-dependent yields. Intriguingly, the formation of H₂O₂ through the ring-opening mechanism is strongly promoted under lower pH conditions (pH 2.5-3.5), while higher pH favors the ring-retaining pathways yielding OH. The rate constant of the reaction of O₃ with m-cresol increases with increasing pH. The reaction products formed during the ozonolysis of m-cresol are analyzed by an Orbitrap mass spectrometer, and reaction pathways are suggested based on the identified product compounds. This study indicates that aqueous-phase ozonolysis of phenolic compounds might be an alternative source of H₂O₂ and OH in the cloud, rain, and liquid water of aerosol particles; thus, it should be considered in future model studies.

Multiphase Ozonolysis of Oleic Acid-Based Lipids: Quantitation of Major Products and Kinetic Multilayer Modeling

Commonly found in atmospheric aerosols, cooking oils, and human sebum, unsaturated lipids rapidly decay upon exposure to ozone, following the Criegee mechanism. Here, the gas-surface ozonolysis of three oleic acid-based compounds was studied in a reactor and indoors. Under dry conditions, quantitative product analyses by ¹H NMR indicate up to 79% molar yield of stable secondary ozonides (SOZs) in oxidized triolein and methyl oleate coatings. Elevated relative humidity (RH) significantly suppresses the SOZ yields, enhancing the formation of condensed-phase aldehydes and volatile C9 products. Along with kinetic parameters informed by molecular dynamics simulations, these results were used as constraints in a kinetic multilayer model (KM-GAP) simulating triolein ozonolysis. Covering a wide range of coating thicknesses and ozone levels, the model predicts a much faster decay near the gas-lipid interface compared to the bulk. Although the dependence of RH on SOZ yields is well predicted, the model overestimates the production of H₂O₂ and aldehydes. With negligible dependence on RH, the product composition for oxidized oleic acid is substantially affected by a competitive reaction between Criegee intermediates (CIs) and carboxylic acids. The resulting α-acyloxyalkyl hydroperoxides (α-AAHPs) have much higher molar yields (29-38%) than SOZs (12-16%). Overall, the ozone-lipid chemistry could affect the indoor environment through "crust" accumulation on surfaces and volatile organic compound (VOC) emission. In the atmosphere, the peroxide formation and changes in particle hygroscopicity may have effects on climate. The related health impacts are also discussed.

Decomposition of multifunctionalized α-alkoxyalkyl-hydroperoxides derived from the reactions of Criegee intermediates with diols in liquid phases

The oxidation of volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere produces organic hydroperoxides (ROOHs) that typically possess not only -OOH but also other functionalities such as -OH and -C(O). Because of their high hydrophilicity and low volatility, such multifunctionalized ROOHs are expected to be taken up in atmospheric condensed phases such as aerosols and fog/cloud droplets. However, the characteristics of ROOHs that control their fates and lifetimes in liquid phases are poorly understood. Here, we report a study of the liquid-phase decomposition kinetics of multifunctionalized α-alkoxyalkyl-hydroperoxides (α-AHs) that possessed an ether, a carbonyl, a hydroperoxide, and two hydroxy groups. These ROOHs were synthesized by ozonolysis of α-terpineol in water in the presence of 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, or 1,5-pentanediol. Their decomposition products were detected as chloride anion adducts by electrospray mass spectrometry as a function of reaction time. Experiments using H₂¹⁸O and D₂O revealed that hemiacetal species were α-AH decomposition products that further transformed into other products. The result that the rate coefficients (k) of the decomposition of C₁₅ α-AHs increased exponentially from pH 5.0 to 3.9 was consistent with an H⁺-catalyzed decomposition mechanism. The temperature dependence of k and an Arrhenius plot yielded activation energies (E_a) of 15.7 ± 0.8, 15.0 ± 2.4, and 15.9 ± 0.3 kcal mol^-1 for the decomposition of α-AHs derived from the reaction of α-terpineol CIs with 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, and 1,5-pentanediol, respectively. The determined E_a values were compared with those of related ROOHs. We found that alkyl chain length is not a critical factor for the decomposition mechanism, whereas the presence of additional -OH groups would modulate the reaction barriers to decomposition via the formation of hydrogen-bonding with surrounding water molecules. The derived E_a values for the decomposition of the multifunctionalized, terpenoid-derived α-AHs will facilitate atmospheric modeling by serving as representative values for ROOHs in atmospheric condensed phases.

Sea spray aerosols intervening phospholipids ozonolysis at the air-water interface

With more than half of the world's population lives along the coast and in its vicinity, the sea spray aerosols (SSAs) with respect to respiratory system impact has attracted increasing attention. In this paper, ozonolysis of model lung phospholipids intervened by salt cations in SSAs at air-water interface was investigated using acoustic levitation-nano-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (AL-nano-ESI-MS). The cation species facilitated the interfacial ozonolysis of phospholipids, and this increased ozonolysis showed a dependence on the concentration of salt cations. The charge number and ion radius of salt cations were also investigated, and the times of increased efficiency for phospholipids ozonolysis at the air-water interface were higher with more charge numbers or lower ion radius. The mechanism study revealed that the electrostatic interaction between the electronegative headgroup of phospholipids and the cations disturbed the packing of phospholipids, and resulted in oleyl chains more vulnerable with ozone. Finally, aerosolization of the salt-dominated artificial seawater and real seawater revealed a significant increase on ozonolysis of phospholipid intervened by salt cations. These results reveal SSAs intervening phospholipids interfacial reaction at the molecule level, which will be beneficial to gain the knowledge of the negative health effect concerning the components involved in SSAs.

Isomer-Resolved Reactivity of Organic Peroxides in Monoterpene-Derived Secondary Organic Aerosol

Organic peroxides play a vital role in the formation, evolution, and health impacts of atmospheric aerosols, yet their molecular composition and fate in the particle phase remain poorly understood. Here, we identified, using iodometry-assisted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, a large suite of isomer-resolved peroxide monomers (C_8-10H_12-18O_5-8) and dimers (C_15-20H_22-34O_5-14) in secondary organic aerosol formed from ozonolysis of the most abundant monoterpene (α-pinene). Combining aerosol isothermal evaporation experiments and multilayer kinetic modeling, bulk peroxides were found to undergo rapid particle-phase chemical transformation with an average lifetime of several hours under humid conditions, while the individual peroxides decompose on timescales of half an hour to a few days. Meanwhile, the majority of isomeric peroxides exhibit distinct particle-phase behaviors, highlighting the importance of the characterization of isomer-resolved peroxide reactivity. Furthermore, the reactivity of most peroxides increases with aerosol water content faster in a low relative humidity (RH) range than in a high RH range. Such non-uniform water effects imply a more important role of water as a plasticizer than as a reactant in influencing the peroxide reactivity. The high particle-phase reactivity of organic peroxides and its striking dependence on RH should be considered in atmospheric modeling of their fate and impacts on aerosol chemistry and health effects.

Decomposition mechanism of α-alkoxyalkyl-hydroperoxides in the liquid phase: temperature dependent kinetics and theoretical calculations

Organic hydroperoxides (ROOHs) play key roles in the atmosphere as a reactive intermediate species. Due to the low volatility and high hydrophilicity, ROOHs are expected to reside in atmospheric condensed phases such as aerosols, fogs, and cloud droplets. The decomposition mechanisms of ROOHs in the liquid phase are, however, still poorly understood. Here we report a temperature-dependent kinetics and theoretical calculation study of the aqueous-phase decompositions of C₁₂ or C₁₃ α-alkoxyalkyl-hydroperoxides (α-AHs) derived from ozonolysis of α-terpineol in the presence of 1-propanol, 2-propanol, and ethanol. We found that the temporal profiles of α-AH signals, detected as chloride-adducts by negative ion electrospray mass spectrometry, showed single-exponential decay, and the derived first-order rate coefficient k for α-AH decomposition increased as temperature increased, e.g., k(288 K) = (5.3 ± 0.2) × 10^-4 s^-1, k(298 K) = (1.2 ± 0.3) × 10^-3 s^-1, k(308 K) = (2.1 ± 1.4) × 10^-3 s^-1 for C₁₃ α-AHs derived from the reaction of α-terpineol Criegee intermediates with 1-propanol in the solution at pH 4.5. Arrhenius plot analysis yielded an activation energy (E _a) of 12.3 ± 0.6 kcal mol^-1. E _a of 18.7 ± 0.3 and 13.8 ± 0.9 kcal mol^-1 were also obtained for the decomposition of α-AHs (at pH 4.5) derived from the reaction of α-terpineol Criegee intermediates with 2-propanol and with ethanol, respectively. Based on the theoretical kinetic and thermodynamic calculations, we propose that a proton-catalyzed mechanism plays a central role in the decomposition of these α-AHs in acidic aqueous organic media, while water molecules may also participate in the decomposition pathways and affect the kinetics. The decomposition of α-AHs could act as a source of H₂O₂ and multifunctionalized species in atmospheric condensed phases.

Effects of Metal Ions on Aqueous-Phase Decomposition of α-Hydroxyalkyl-Hydroperoxides Derived from Terpene Alcohols

We report the results of a mass spectrometric study of the effects of atmospherically relevant metal ions on the decomposition of α-hydroxyalkyl-hydroperoxides (α-HHs) derived from ozonolysis of α-terpineol in aqueous solutions. By direct mass spectrometric detection of chloride adducts of α-HHs, we assessed the temporal profiles of α-HHs and other products in the presence of metal ions. In addition, reactions between α-HHs and FeCl₂ in the presence of excess DMSO showed that the amount of hydroxyl radicals formed in a mixture of α-terpineol, O₃, and FeCl₂ was 5.7 ± 0.8% of the amount formed in a mixture of H₂O₂ and FeCl₂. The first-order rate constants for the decay of α-HHs produced by ozonolysis of α-terpineol in the presence of 5 mM acetate buffer at a pH of 5.1 ± 0.1 were determined to be (4.5 ± 0.1) × 10^-4 s^-1 (no metal ions), (4.7 ± 0.2) × 10^-4 s^-1 (with 0.05 mM Fe²⁺), (4.7 ± 0.1) × 10^-4 s^-1 (with 0.05 mM Zn²⁺), and (4.8 ± 0.2) × 10^-4 s^-1 (with 0.05 mM Cu²⁺). We propose that in acidic aqueous media, the reaction of α-HHs with Fe²⁺ is outcompeted by H⁺-catalyzed decomposition of α-HHs, which produces the corresponding aldehydes and H₂O₂, which can in turn react with Fe²⁺ to form hydroxyl radicals.

Iron-Facilitated Organic Radical Formation from Secondary Organic Aerosols in Surrogate Lung Fluid

Respiratory deposition of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) and iron may lead to the generation of reactive oxygen species and free radicals in lung fluid to cause oxidative stress, but their underlying mechanism and formation kinetics are not well understood. Here we demonstrate substantial formation of organic radicals in surrogate lung fluid (SLF) by mixtures of Fe2+ and SOA generated from photooxidation of isoprene, α-terpineol, and toluene. The molar yields of organic radicals by SOA are measured to be 0.03-0.5% in SLF, which are 5-10 times higher than in water. We observe that Fe2+ enhances organic radical yields dramatically by a factor of 20-80, which can be attributed to Fe2+-facilitated decomposition of organic peroxides, in consistency with a positive correlation between peroxide contents and organic radical yields. Ascorbate mediates redox cycling of iron ions to sustain organic peroxide decomposition, as supported by kinetic modeling reproducing time- and concentration-dependence of organic radical formation as well as additional experiments observing the formation of Fe2+ and ascorbate radicals in mixtures of ascorbate and Fe3+. •OH and superoxide are found to be scavenged by antioxidants efficiently. These findings have implications on the role of organic radicals in oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation.

Fates of Organic Hydroperoxides in Atmospheric Condensed Phases

The fates of organic hydroperoxides (ROOHs) in atmospheric condensed phases are key to understanding the oxidative and toxicological potentials of particulate matter. Recently, mass spectrometric detection of ROOHs as chloride anion adducts has revealed that liquid-phase α-hydroxyalkyl hydroperoxides, derived from hydration of carbonyl oxides (Criegee intermediates), decompose to geminal diols and H₂O₂ over a time frame that is sensitively dependent on the water content, pH, and temperature of the reaction solution. Based on these findings, it has been proposed that H⁺-catalyzed conversion of ROOHs to ROHs + H₂O₂ is a key process for the decomposition of ROOHs that bypasses radical formation. In this perspective, we discuss our current understanding of the aqueous-phase decomposition of atmospherically relevant ROOHs, including ROOHs derived from reaction between Criegee intermediates and alcohols or carboxylic acids, and of highly oxygenated molecules (HOMs). Implications and future challenges are also discussed.

Aqueous-phase fates of α-alkoxyalkyl-hydroperoxides derived from the reactions of Criegee intermediates with alcohols

In the atmosphere, carbonyl oxides known as Criegee intermediates are produced mainly by ozonolysis of volatile organic compounds containing C[double bond, length as m-dash]C double bonds, such as biogenic terpenoids. Criegee intermediates can react with OH-containing species to produce labile organic hydroperoxides (ROOHs) that are taken up into atmospheric condensed phases. Besides water, alcohols are an important reaction partner of Criegee intermediates and can convert them into α-alkoxyalkyl-hydroperoxides (α-AHs), R1R2C(-OOH)(-OR'). Here, we report a study on the aqueous-phase fates of α-AHs derived from ozonolysis of α-terpineol in the presence of methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, and 2-propanol. The α-terpineol α-AHs and the decomposition products were detected as their chloride adducts by electrospray mass spectrometry as a function of reaction time. Our discovery that the rate of decomposition of α-AHs increased as the pH decreased from 5.9 to 3.8 implied that the decomposition mechanism was catalyzed by H+. The use of isotope solvent experiments revealed that a primary decomposition product of α-AHs in an acidic aqueous solution was a hemiacetal R1R2C(-OH)(-OR') species that was further transformed into other products such as lactols. The proposed H+-catalyzed decomposition of α-AHs, which provides H2O2 and multifunctional species in ambient aerosol particles, may be faster than other degradation processes (e.g., photolysis by solar radiation).

Superoxide Formation from Aqueous Reactions of Biogenic Secondary Organic Aerosols

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a central role in aqueous-phase processing and health effects of atmospheric aerosols. Although hydroxyl radical (^•OH) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) are regarded as major oxidants associated with secondary organic aerosols (SOA), the kinetics and reaction mechanisms of superoxide (O₂^•-) formation are rarely quantified and poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate a dominant formation of O₂^•- with molar yields of 0.01-0.03% from aqueous reactions of biogenic SOA generated by ^•OH photooxidation of isoprene, β-pinene, α-terpineol, and d-limonene. The temporal evolution of ^•OH and O₂^•- formation is elucidated by kinetic modeling with a cascade of aqueous reactions including the decomposition of organic hydroperoxides, ^•OH oxidation of primary or secondary alcohols, and unimolecular decomposition of α-hydroxyperoxyl radicals. Relative yields of various types of ROS reflect a relative abundance of organic hydroperoxides and alcohols contained in SOA. These findings and mechanistic understanding have important implications on the atmospheric fate of SOA and particle-phase reactions of highly oxygenated organic molecules as well as oxidative stress upon respiratory deposition.

Temperature Dependence of Aqueous-Phase Decomposition of α-Hydroxyalkyl-Hydroperoxides

Ozonolysis of unsaturated organic species with water produces α-hydroxyalkyl-hydroperoxides (α-HHs), which are reactive intermediates that lead to the formation of H₂O₂ and multifunctionalized species in atmospheric condensed phases. Here, we report temperature-dependent rate coefficients (k) for the aqueous-phase decomposition of α-terpineol α-HHs at 283-318 K and terpinen-4-ol α-HHs at 313-328 K. The temporal profiles of α-HH signals, detected as chloride adducts by negative-ion electrospray mass spectrometry, showed single-exponential decay, and the derived first-order k for α-HH decomposition increased as temperature increased, e.g., k(288 K) = (4.7 ± 0.2) × 10^-5, k(298 K) = (1.5 ± 0.4) × 10^-4, k(308 K) = (3.4 ± 0.9) × 10^-4, k(318 K) = (1.0 ± 0.2) × 10^-3 s^-1 for α-terpineol α-HHs at pH 6.1. Arrhenius plot analysis yielded activation energies of 17.9 ± 0.7 (pH 6.1) and 17.1 ± 0.2 kcal mol^-1 (pH 6.2) for the decomposition of α-terpineol and terpinen-4-ol α-HHs, respectively. Activation energies of 18.6 ± 0.2 and 19.2 ± 0.5 kcal mol^-1 were also obtained for the decomposition of α-terpineol α-HHs in acidified water at pH 5.3 and 4.5, respectively. Theoretical kinetic and thermodynamic calculations confirmed that both water-catalyzed and proton-catalyzed mechanisms play important roles in the decomposition of these α-HHs. The relatively strong temperature dependence of k suggests that the lifetime of these α-HHs in aqueous phases (e.g., aqueous aerosols, fog, cloud droplets, wet films) is controlled not only by the water content and pH but also by the temperature of these media.

Proton-Catalyzed Decomposition of α-Hydroxyalkyl-Hydroperoxides in Water

In the atmosphere, most biogenic terpenes undergo ozonolysis in the presence of water to form reactive α-hydroxyalkyl-hydroperoxides (α-HHs), and the lifetimes of these α-HHs are a key parameter for understanding the processes that occur during the aging of atmospheric particles. We previously reported that α-HHs generated by ozonolysis of terpenes decompose in water to give H₂O₂ and the corresponding aldehydes, which undergo hydration to form gem-diols. Herein, we report that this decomposition process was dramatically accelerated by acidification of the water with oxalic, acetic, hexanoic, cis-pinonic, or hydrochloric acid. In acidic solution, the temporal profiles of the α-HHs, detected as their chloride adducts by electrospray mass spectrometry, showed single-exponential decays in the pH range from 4.1 to 6.1, and the first-order rate coefficients (k) for the decays increased with decreasing pH. The lifetime of the α-HH derived from α-terpineol was 128 min (k = (1.3 ± 0.4) × 10^-4 s^-1) at pH 6.1 but only 8 min (k = (2.1 ± 0.1) × 10^-3 s^-1) at pH 4.1. Because the rate coefficients increased as the pH decreased and the increase depended on pH rather than on the properties of the acid, we propose that the decomposition of the α-HHs in water was specifically catalyzed by H⁺. Fast H⁺-catalyzed decomposition of α-HHs could be an important source of H₂O₂ and multifunctionalized compounds found in ambient atmospheric particles.