Atmospheric organic-phase photo-sensitized epoxidation of alkenes by α-dicarbonyls

Abstract. We report a new pathway of epoxide formation in organic phases via catalytic oxidation of alkenes by air with α-dicarbonyls as photo-sensitizers. Epoxide yields as high as 100% in 30 min of exposure to a solar simulator operating at the equivalent of 48.5° zenith angle are observed. The rate constants are proportional to light intensity and inversely proportional to temperature. The reaction rate is 0th order with respect to alkenes, implying that alkenes with small concentrations may rapidly be converted to epoxides in the organic phase. Based on a statistical estimate of α-dicarbonyl concentrations in secondary organic aerosol, we propose that this reaction could be highly effective under ambient conditions: the 0th-order lifetimes of organic-phase alkenes are estimated to be as low as 10 min, significantly shorter than their gas-phase 1st-order lifetimes, which are typically hours to days. The formation of epoxides in organic particles is expected to increase their hygroscopicity and ability to act as cloud condensation nuclei. Epoxides in deliquesced particles can subsequently form polyalcohols, oligomers, organosulphates and organonitrates, increasing the organic mass in the atmospheric waters.