Production of hydrogen peroxide and organic peroxides in the gas phase reactions of ozone with natural alkenes

Abstract

The formation of H2O2 and organic peroxides in the reaction of O3 with trans‐2‐butene and naturally occurring alkenes has been studied using a 31 m3 reaction chamber. H2O2 and organic peroxides were found to be products of the O3 reaction with trans‐2‐butene, isoprene, α and ß‐pinene, and limonene. Water is necessary for the formation of H2O2 and most of the H2O2 is formed via a route that does not involve HO2 radicals. Our results indicate that the reaction of O3 with natural alkenes may be a significant source of atmospheric H2O2, particularly in forest and rural areas.