AbstractCalculations using density functional theory were performed to explore the mechanisms for atmospheric degradation of isopropyl methyl methylphosphonate (IMMP). The potential energy surface profiles for OH‐initiated reaction of IMMP were constructed, and all possible degradation channels were considered. Rate constants were further calculated using transition state theory. It was established from these calculations that H‐abstractions from alkyl groups have much lower energy barriers than substitutions of alkoxyl groups, and four possible H‐abstraction channels are competitive. Investigations into the secondary reactions under the presence of O2/NO were also performed. It is shown that O2 addition, reaction of peroxide radicals with NO to form RO radicals, and removal of ·RO are the major degradation pathways for alkyl radicals. Four selected products, CH3OP(O)(CH3)OC(O)CH3, CH3OP(O)(O)CH3, (CH3)2CHOP(O)(CH3)OH, and (CH3)2CHOP(O)(CH3)OCHO, are predicted to be the major products in this study. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.