Drew University Library : University Archives : Theses and Dissertations
    
authorDani Leviss
titleThe Ozonolysis of α-Terpineol in an Aqueous Environment: A Model for Atmospheric Cloud Chemistry
abstract Ozone is a major atmospheric pollutant, a central component of smog, a lung irritant, and able to react with abundant organic atmospheric aerosols. The gas phase ozonolysis of volatile organic compounds has been extensively studied and shown to be a major pathway for the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). Although recent work indicates that aqueous processes account for a major fraction of SOA, little is known about aqueous phase ozonolysis. In the present research, we studied the ozonolysis of α-terpineol in aqueous solutions to model the chemistry of atmospheric droplets at varied ozone concentrations (131, 480, and 965 ppb). 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) monitored the experimental progress of this reaction, and one- and two-dimensional NMR along with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) and Infrared Spectroscopy (IR) identified products.

The second-order rate coefficient of the aqueous reaction is 9.93 x 106 M-1s-1 with a lifetime of 5.2 min, 15 times shorter than in the gas phase (lifetime of 79 min). Formation of products of decreased volatility suggests ozonolysis of α -terpineol yields more condensible secondary organic material and therefore potentially increased impact on climate, visibility, and health.
schoolThe College of Liberal Arts, Drew University
degreeB.A. (2016)
advisor Dr. Ryan Z. Hinrichs
committee Dr. Alan Rosan
Dr. Summer Harrison
Dr. Hilary Kalagher
full textDLeviss.pdf