Reactive intermediates revealed in secondary organic aerosol formation from isoprene.

Isoprene is a significant source of atmospheric organic aerosol; however, the oxidation pathways that lead to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) have remained elusive. Here, we identify the role of two key reactive intermediates, epoxydiols of isoprene (IEPOX = beta-IEPOX + delta-IEPOX) and methacryloylperoxynitrate (MPAN), which are formed during isoprene oxidation under low- and high-NO(x) conditions, respectively. Isoprene low-NO(x) SOA is enhanced in the presence of acidified sulfate seed aerosol (mass yield 28.

Photooxidation of 2-methyl-3-Buten-2-ol (MBO) as a potential source of secondary organic aerosol.

2-Methyl-3-buten-2-ol (MBO) is an important biogenic hydrocarbon emitted in large quantities by pine forests. Atmospheric photooxidation of MBO is known to lead to oxygenated compounds, such as glycolaldehyde, which is the precursor to glyoxal. Recent studies have shown that the reactive uptake of glyoxal onto aqueous particles can lead to formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA).

Direct measurements of the convective recycling of the upper troposphere.

We present a statistical representation of the aggregate effects of deep convection on the chemistry and dynamics of the upper troposphere (UT) based on direct aircraft observations of the chemical composition of the UT over the eastern United States and Canada during summer. These measurements provide unique observational constraints on the chemistry occurring downwind of convection and the rate at which air in the UT is recycled. These results provide quantitative measures that can be used to evaluate global climate and chemistry models.

Measurement of gas-phase hydroperoxides by chemical ionization mass spectrometry.

A new method for the detection of gas-phase hydroperoxides is described. The clustering chemistry of CF3O- is exploited to produce speciated measurements of several hydroperoxides with high sensitivity and fast time response. Correspondence of airborne observations made with this technique and the established HPLC method is illustrated.