Researchers report that organic peroxy radicals produced via the photodegradation of a prototypical atmospheric pollutant, n-hexane, undergo autoxidative pathways at ambient temperature, or spontaneous oxidation, at rates that suggest that autoxidation may become an important pathway for urban photochemistry across North America and lead to the production of organic hydroperoxides, findings with potential implications for air quality.
Article #17-15540: "Atmospheric autoxidation is increasingly important in urban and suburban North America," by Eric Praske et al.
MEDIA CONTACT: Paul O. Wennberg, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA; tel: 626-395-2447; e-mail: <wennberg@caltech.edu>
###