PRODUCTS OF THE GAS-PHASE OH AND NO3 RADICAL-INITIATED REACTIONS OF NAPHTHALENE

Naphthalene is the most abundant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in polluted urban areas. Naphthalene is present in the gas phase unde r typical atmospheric conditions, and its most important atmospheric l oss process is reaction with the hydroxyl (OH) radical. The products o f the gas-phase reaction of naphthalene with OH radicals and with nitr ate (NO3) radicals have been investigated using gas chromatographic te chniques with flame ionization, mass spectrometric, and Fourier transf orm infrared spectroscopic detection and using in situ atmospheric pre ssure ionization mass spectrometry. The major products identified from the OH radical-initiated reaction of gas-phase naphthalene were ring cleavage species, including 2-formyl-cinnamaldehyde. The major product s observed from the NO3 radical-initiated reaction were 1- and 2-nitro naphthalene.