Atmospheric reactions of alkoxy and ?-hydroxyalkoxy radicals

Alkoxy and β-hydroxyalkoxy radicals are key intermediates formed in the atmospheric degradations of alkanes and alkenes, respectively. In the troposphere, these alkoxy radicals can decompose, isomerize, and react with O2. The literature data concerning the rates of these reactions are evaluated, and predictive schemes allowing the calculation of rate constants for these alkoxy radical reactions for atmospheric purposes are proposed. Good agreement between calculated reaction rates and experimental data concerning the absolute and relative importance of these reaction pathways is obtained, and alkoxy and β-hydroxyalkoxy radical reaction rates for radicals for which experimental data are not presently available can now be calculated for use in atmospheric modeling. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.