Rate constants of the gas-phase reactions of CH3OOH with O3 and NOx at 293 K

Using the long-path technique of Fourier transform infrared (LP FTIR) spectrometry, the rate coefficients of methyl hydroperoxide (MHP, CH3OOH) reactions with O3, NO2 and NO at (293 ± 2) K have been determined. The coefficients are k MHP + O 3 = ( 7.3 ± 0.1 ) × 10 − 21 , k MHP + NO 2 = ( 9.6 ± 1.3 ) × 10 − 21 and kMHP+NO < 8.6 × 10−22 cm3 molecule−1 s−1. Random errors are ±2σ. The atmospheric lifetimes of MHP with respect to reactions with O3 and NO2 were estimated at 3.5 and 2.6 years, respectively. Finally, the results are discussed within the context of the atmospheric decay chemistry of MHP and its environmental impact.