Gas-phase reaction of the Cl atoms with dimethylbenzaldehyde isomers

Rate coefficients for the gas-phase reactions of Cl atoms with three isomers of dimethylbenzaldehyde (DMBs) have been determined using the relative rate method. Relative rate measurements were performed in a Teflon reaction chamber at 298 ± 3 K and atmospheric pressure. The rate constants obtained (10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1) were, respectively, 8.8 ± 1.7, 9.5 ± 1.4 and 9.6 ± 1.6 for 2,4-DMB, 2,5-DMB and 3,5-DMB. This work provides the first kinetic determination of the gas-phase reactions of Cl atoms with DMBs. Our results are compared with the OH reaction with the same DMBs and discussed in terms of structure–reactivity relationship and the atmospheric impact of DMBs.