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Experimental and theoretical studies of reactions important in photochemical smog : aromatics and alkanes

Citation

Andino, Jean Marie (1996) Experimental and theoretical studies of reactions important in photochemical smog : aromatics and alkanes. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/4811-nz89. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-01032007-154253

Abstract

The development of effective ozone control strategies requires the use of atmospheric models. There is general agreement within the scientific community that several aspects of the chemistry within these models has yet to be fully elucidated, and is influential in their predictions. The work in this thesis is aimed at trying to determine some of the unknown aspects of the mechanisms of important atmospheric species. Specifically, the gas-phase reactions of two large alkanes, 2,2,4-trimethylpentane and 2,2,5-trimethylhexane are investigated. These two alkanes are present in urban air, and are potential aerosol precursors. The chemistry of several aromatic hydrocarbons are also studied using both theoretical and experimental techniques. The effects of NO2 on the photooxidation of toluene, m-xylene, and p-xylene are examined, and mechanisms of each of these organics are thouroughly evaluated through closely coordinated laboratory work and computer modeling. In addition, product studies of the photooxidation of 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene and m-ethyltoluene are conducted. These studies provide the first identification of ring-retained products from 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, and ring-retained and fragmented products from m-ethyltoluene.

A new indoor experimental reactor was designed to investigate gas-phase reaction kinetics and mechanisms. This new system has served to launch the atmospheric chemistry program at Caltech into a wide variety of new research topics.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Major Option:Chemical Engineering
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Seinfeld, John H. (advisor)
  • Flagan, Richard C. (advisor)
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:2 January 1996
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-01032007-154253
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-01032007-154253
DOI:10.7907/4811-nz89
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:13
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:03 Jan 2007
Last Modified:16 Apr 2021 23:03

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