We have examined CF3OCF = CF2 regarding its reactivity toward OH radical, i
ts infrared spectroscopic properties, its atmospheric lifetime, and its rad
iative forcing. From these we then determined the Global Warming Potentials
(GWPs) for CF3OCF = CF2. The examination is completed using a combination
of discharge flow coupled with mass spectrometer and resonance fluorescence
(DF/MS/RF), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ab initio mole
cular orbital calculation, and atmospheric and radiative transfer modeling.
Mass spectral evidence suggests that both HF and CF3OCFC(O)F are products
from the reaction of CF3OCF = CF2 with OH. The Arrhenius expression for CF3
OCF = CF2 + OH is determined to be k(1) = (6.41 +/- 0.82) x 10(-11) exp[(-8
68 +/- 40)/T] cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) in the temperature range of 253-348
K. The atmospheric lifetime of CF3OCF = CF2 is estimated to be less than 5
days due to the OH attack. The calculated vibrational frequencies using ab
initio molecular orbital calculations are in good agreement with FTIR exper
imental observation for the CF3OCF = CF2 molecule. Both C-O and C-F stretch
ing modes in the CF3OCF = CF2 contribute to prominent absorption in the atm
ospheric window region. The absolute adjusted radiative forcing at the trop
opause due to an increase in the concentration of CF3OCF = CF2 by one part
per billion by volume (ppbv) is calculated to be 0.041 W m(-2) ppbv(-1). Th
e Global Warming Potential for CF3OCF = CF2 is evaluated to be 0.004 for 10
0-year time horizon.