Small Curvature Tunneling Contribution Research Articles

Quantum Chemical and Kinetic Study of the Gas-Phase Reactions of Methane Sulfonamide with Cl Atom and the Fate of •CH2S(═O)2NH2 with 3O2 in the Atmosphere

The gas phase mechanism of the chlorine atom (•Cl)-initiated oxidation of methane sulfonamide (CH3S(═O)2NH2; MSAM) has been elucidated using ab initio/DFT electronic structure methods and chemical kinetic modeling. A reaction that commences via abstraction of an H-atom from the methyl group of MSAM to form a transition state with a barrier height of ∼4.8 kcal mol–1 above that of the MSAM + •Cl reactants, yielding •CH2S(═O)2NH2 + HCl was found to be a major path in comparison with the other possibilities. Rate coefficients for all possible H-atom abstraction reactions were calculated using the canonical variational transition state theory (CVT) with the small curvature tunneling (SCT) method in the temperature range of 200–400 K. The rate coefficient for the major reaction was found to be 1.6 × 10–14 cm3 molecule–1 s–1 at 300 K, while the overall rate coefficient for the MSAM + •Cl reaction is found to be 1.7 × 10–14 cm3 molecule–1 s–1 at 300 K. In addition, SCT contributions, branching ratios for each reaction path, and the atmospheric implications are provided and discussed. Based on the results, the MSAM + •Cl reaction proceeds to form •CH2S(═O)2NH2, which then further reacts with 3O2 under oxygen-rich conditions to form the corresponding RO2 adduct (•OOCH2S(═O)2NH2). Subsequent reactions of this radical result in the formation of greenhouse gases such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitric acid (HNO3), nitrous oxide (N2O), and formic acid (HC(O)OH), which may contribute to climate change and formation of secondary organic aerosols and acid rain.

The Homogeneous Gas-Phase Formation Mechanism of PCNs from Cross-Condensation of Phenoxy Radical with 2-CPR and 3-CPR: A Theoretical Mechanistic and Kinetic Study.

Chlorophenols (CPs) and phenol are abundant in thermal and combustion procedures, such as stack gas production, industrial incinerators, metal reclamation, etc., which are key precursors for the formation of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs). CPs and phenol can react with H or OH radicals to form chlorophenoxy radicals (CPRs) and phenoxy radical (PhR). The self-condensation of CPRs or cross-condensation of PhR with CPRs is the initial and most important step for PCN formation. In this work, detailed thermodynamic and kinetic calculations were carried out to investigate the PCN formation mechanisms from PhR with 2-CPR/3-CPR. Several energetically advantageous formation pathways were obtained. The rate constants of key elementary steps were calculated over 600~1200 K using the canonical variational transition-state theory (CVT) with the small curvature tunneling (SCT) contribution method. The mechanisms were compared with the experimental observations and our previous works on the PCN formation from the self-condensation of 2-CPRs/3-CPRs. This study shows that naphthalene and 1-monochlorinated naphthalene (1-MCN) are the main PCN products from the cross-condensation of PhR with 2-CPR, and naphthalene and 2-monochlorinated naphthalene (2-MCN) are the main PCN products from the cross-condensation of PhR with 3-CPR. Pathways terminated with Cl elimination are preferred over those terminated with H elimination. PCN formation from the cross-condensation of PhR with 3-CPR can occur much easier than that from the cross-condensation of PhR with 2-CPR. This study, along with the study of PCN formation from the self-condensation 2-CPRs/3-CPRs, can provide reasonable explanations for the experimental observations that the formation potential of naphthalene is larger than that of 1-MCN using 2-CP as a precursor, and an almost equal yield of 1-MCN and 2-MCN can be produced with 3-CP as a precursor.

The Gas-Phase Formation Mechanism of Dibenzofuran (DBF), Dibenzothiophene (DBT), and Carbazole (CA) from Benzofuran (BF), Benzothiophene (BT), and Indole (IN) with Cyclopentadienyl Radical.

Benzofuran (BF), benzothiophene (BT), indole (IN), dibenzofuran (DBF), dibenzothiophene (DBT), and carbazole (CA) are typical heterocyclic aromatic compounds (NSO-HETs), which can coexist with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in combustion and pyrolysis conditions. In this work, quantum chemical calculations were carried out to investigate the formation of DBF, DBT, and CA from the reactions of BF, BT, and IN with a cyclopentadienyl radical (CPDyl) by using the hybrid density functional theory (DFT) at the MPWB1K/6-311+G(3df,2p)//MPWB1K/6-31+G(d,p) level. The rate constants of crucial elementary steps were deduced over 600−1200 K, using canonical variational transition state theory with a small-curvature tunneling contribution (CVT/SCT). This paper showed that the production of DBF, DBT, and CA from the reactions of BF, BT, and IN with CPDyl involved six elementary steps: the addition reaction, ring closure, the first H shift, C–C cleavage, the second H shift, and elimination of CH3 or H. The cleavage of the C–C bond was regarded as the rate-determining step for each pathway due to the extremely high barrier. The 1-methyl substituted products were more easily formed than the 4-methyl substituted products. The main products were DBF and 1-methyl-DBF, DBT and 1-methyl-DBT, and CA and 1-methyl-CA for reactions of BF, BT, and IN with CPDyl, respectively. The ranking of DBF, DBT, and CA formation potential was as follows: DBT and methyl-DBT formation > DBF and methyl-DBF formation > CA, and methyl-CA formation. Comparison with the reaction of naphthalene with CPDyl indicated that the reactions of CPDyl attacking a benzene ring and a furan/thiophene/pyrrole ring could be inferred to be comparable under high temperature conditions.

Quantum Effects on H2 Diffusion in Zeolite RHO: Inverse Kinetic Isotope Effect for Sieving.

We use canonical variational theory (CVT) with small-curvature tunneling (SCT) contributions to investigate quantum effects on the H2 diffusion process in the pure-silica zeolite RHO. At low temperature we find an inverse kinetic isotopic sieving effect in that the heavier isotopic species diffuses faster than the lighter one. Three quantum effects contribute to this kinetic isotope effect (KIE). The first one is quantum mechanical tunneling; this-on its own-would lead to a normal kinetic isotopic sieving effect, in which lighter diprotium diffuses faster than dideuterium. The second factor, which we find to dominate in the present case, is zero-point energy (ZPE). Deuterium has a lower ZPE, which leads to a smaller effective barrier for tunneling because the transition state has a larger ZPE than the precursor stable state; this results in an inverse KIE. The third factor, the thermal vibrational energy (computed from the quantized vibrational partition function), also favors a normal KIE, but it is outweighed by the ZPE effect. The vibrations of the zeolite host framework are found to play an important role at low temperatures, and our calculations consider up to 7296 degrees of freedom at the equilibrium structure and the saddle point and up to 221 degrees of freedom along the reaction path. The importance of quantum considerations on the dynamics is elucidated by comparison to a purely classical treatment.

Mechanistic and Kinetic Study on Self-/Cross- Condensation of PCTA/DT Formation Mechanisms from Three Types of Radicals of 2,4-Dichlorothiophenol.

Chlorothiophenols (CTPs) are known to be key and direct precursors of polychlorinated thianthrene/dibenzothiophenes (PCTA/DTs). Self/cross-coupling of the chlorothiophenoxy radicals (CTPRs), sulfydryl-substituted phenyl radicals and thiophenoxyl diradicals evolving from CTPs are initial and important steps for PCTA/DT formation. In this study, quantum chemical calculations were carried out to investigate the homogenous gas-phase formation of PCTA/DTs from self/cross-coupling of 2,4-dichlorothiophenoxy radical (R1), 2-sulfydryl-3,5-dichlorophenyl radical (R2) and 3,5-dichlorothiophenoxyl diradical (DR) at the MPWB1K/6-311+G(3df,2p)//MPWB1K/6-31+G(d,p) level. The rate constants of crucial elementary steps were deduced over 600–1200 K, using canonical variational transition state theory with a small curvature tunneling contribution. For the formation of PCTAs, the S•/σ-C• condensation with both thiophenolic sulfur in one radical and ortho carbon in the other radical bonded to single electron is the most efficient sulfur-carbon coupling mode, and the ranking of the PCTA formation potential is DR + DR > R2 + DR > R1 + DR > R1 + R2 > R1 + R1. For the formation of PCDTs, the σ-C•/σ-C• coupling with both ortho carbon in the two radicals bonded to single electron is the energetically favored carbon-carbon coupling mode, and the ranking of the PCDT formation potential is: R2 + DR > R2 + R2 > R1 + DR > R1 + R2 > R1 + R1. The PCTA/DTs could be produced from R1, R2 and DR much more readily than PCDD/DFs from corresponding oxygen substituted radicals.

Tunneling by 16 Carbons: Planar Bond Shifting in [16]Annulene.

Midsized annulenes are known to undergo rapid π-bond shifting. Given that heavy-atom tunneling plays a role in planar bond shifting of cyclobutadiene, we computationally explored the contribution of heavy-atom tunneling to planar π-bond shifting in the major (CTCTCTCT, 5a) and minor (CTCTTCTT, 6a) known isomers of [16]annulene. UM06-2X/cc-pVDZ calculations yield bond-shifting barriers of ca. 10 kcal/mol. The results also reveal extremely narrow barrier widths, suggesting a high probability of tunneling for these bond-shifting reactions. Rate constants were calculated using canonical variational transition state theory (CVT) as well as with small curvature tunneling (SCT) contributions, via direct dynamics. For the major isomer 5a, the computed SCT rate constant for bond shifting at 80 K is 0.16 s-1, corresponding to a half-life of 4.3 s, and indicating that bond shifting is rapid at cryogenic temperatures despite a 10 kcal/mol barrier. This contrasts with the CVT rate constant of 8.0 × 10-15 s-1 at 80 K. The minor isomer 6a is predicted to undergo rapid bond shifting via tunneling even at 10 K. For both isomers, bond shifting is predicted to be much faster than competing conformation change despite lower barriers for the latter process. The preference for bond shifting represents cases of tunneling control in which the preferred reaction is dominated by heavy-atom motions. At all temperatures below -50 °C, tunneling is predicted to dominate the bond shifting process for both 5a and 6a. Thus, [16]annulene is predicted to be an example of tunneling by 16 carbons. Bond shifting in both isomers is predicted to be rapid at temperatures accessible by solution-phase NMR spectroscopy, and an experiment is proposed to verify these predictions.

Mechanism for the growth of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from the reactions of naphthalene with cyclopentadienyl and indenyl

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are globally concerned atmospheric particle-bound pollutants due to their toxicities. A mechanistic understanding of their formation from other environmental sources is of crucial importance for successful prevention of PAH. In the present work, the formation and growth mechanism of PAHs from the reactions of naphthalene with the cyclopentadienyl and indenyl radicals was investigated by using the hybrid density functional theory (DFT) at the MPWB1K/6-311+G(3df,2p)//MPWB1K/6-31+G(d,p) level. The rate constants for the crucial elementary steps were deduced with the aid of the canonical variational transition-state (CVT) theory with the small curvature tunneling (SCT) contribution. The formation of PAHs was involved in six elementary processes including: the addition reaction, ring closure, intramolecular H-shift, C-C cleavage, intramolecular H-shift and unimolecular elimination of CH3 or H. The C-C cleavage steps were revealed as the rate determining steps due to the extremely high barrier. At high temperature conditions like the combustion and pyrolysis of many hydrocarbons, the main products are phenanthrene, 4-methyl-phenanthrene and 1-methyl-phenanthrene from the reactions of naphthalene and cyclopentadienyl, and benzo(a)anthracene, 12-methyl-phenanthrene and 7-methyl-phenanthrene from the reactions of naphthalene and indenyl radicals. The reaction of naphthalene with indenyl radical is slightly more difficult than the reaction of naphthalene with cyclopentadienyl radical because of the bigger HOMO-LUMO orbital energy difference of naphthalene with indenyl relative to that of naphthalene with cyclopentadienyl.

Mechanical and kinetic study on gas-phase formation of dinitro-naphthalene from 1- and 2-nitronaphthalene

Nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have received an increasing number of considerations because of their higher mutagens than parent PAHs. In this paper, the formation of dinitro-naphthalene was investigated mechanistically using 1- and 2-nitronaphthalene as precursors with the aid of high-accuracy quantum chemistry calculation. The geometrical parameters, as well as vibrational frequencies, were calculated at the BB1K/6-31+G(d,p) level. Water molecule plays an important role in the formation of dinitro-naphthalene. The rate constants were deduced by canonical variational transition-state theory with small curvature tunneling contribution over the temperature range of 273–333 K. Meanwhile, the Arrhenius formulas were fitted for the OH addition of both 1- and 2-nitronaphthalene. The calculated overall rate constants for 1-nitronaphthalene and 2-nitronaphthalene at 298 K and 1 atm are 7.43 × 10−13 and 7.48 × 10−13 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, respectively. The rate constants of NO3 addition to 1-nitronaphthalene and 2-nitronaphthalene by RRKM method at 298 K and 1 atm are 3.55 × 10−15 and 3.47 × 10−15 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, respectively. This study provides a comprehensive investigation of the formation process of dinitro-naphthalenes, initiated by OH and NO3 radicals and should facilitate to illuminate its atmospheric source. Oxygen may probably be competitive with the second NO2 addition step when the concentration of NO2 is at low level.

Theoretical Mechanistic and Kinetic Studies on Homogeneous Gas-Phase Formation of Polychlorinated Naphthalene from 2-Chlorophenol as Forerunner.

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) are dioxins-like compounds and are formed along with polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in thermal and combustion procedures. Chlorophenols (CPs) are the most important forerunners of PCNs. A comprehensive comprehension of PCN formation procedure from CPs is a precondition for reducing the discharge of PCNs. Experiments on the formation of PCNs from CPs have been hindered by PCN toxicity and short of precise detection methods for active intermediate radicals. In this work, PCN formation mechanism in gas-phase condition from 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) as forerunner was studied by quantum chemistry calculations. Numbers of energetically advantaged formation routes were proposed. The rate constants of key elementary steps were calculated over 600–1200 K using canonical variational transition-state theory (CVT) with small curvature tunneling contribution (SCT) method. This study illustrates formation of PCNs with one chlorine atom loss from 2-CP is preferred over that without chlorine atom loss. In comparison with formation of PCDFs from 2-CP, PCN products are less chlorinated and have lower formation potential.

Quantum Chemical and Kinetic Study on Polychlorinated Naphthalene Formation from 3-Chlorophenol Precursor.

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) are the smallest chlorinated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Cl-PAHs) and are often called dioxin-like compounds. Chlorophenols (CPs) are important precursors of PCN formation. In this paper, mechanistic and kinetic studies on the homogeneous gas-phase formation mechanism of PCNs from 3-CP precursor were investigated theoretically by using the density functional theory (DFT) method and canonical variational transition-state theory (CVT) with small curvature tunneling contribution (SCT). The reaction priority of different PCN formation pathways were disscussed. The rate constants of crucial elementary steps were deduced over a wide temperature range of 600−1200 K. The mechanisms were compared with the experimental observation and our previous works on the PCN formation from 2-CP and 4-CP. This study shows that pathways ended with Cl elimination are favored over those ended with H elimination from the 3-CP precursor. The formation potential of MCN is larger than that of DCN. The chlorine substitution pattern of monochlorophenols has a significant effect on isomer patterns and formation potential of PCN products. The results can be input into the environmental PCN controlling and prediction models as detailed parameters, which can be used to confirm the formation routes of PCNs, reduce PCN emission and establish PCN controlling strategies.

Homogeneous gas-phase formation of polychlorinated naphthalene from dimerization of 4-chlorophenoxy radicals and cross-condensation of phenoxy radical with 4-chlorophenoxy radical: Mechanism and kinetics study

A direct density functional theory (DFT) calculation was performed for the formation of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) from dimerization of 4-chlorophenoxy radicals (4-CPRs) and cross-condensation of phenoxy radical (PhR) with 4-CPR, respectively. Several energetically feasible formation routes were proposed. The rate constants were computed by the canonical variational transition-state theory (CVT) with the small curvature tunneling (SCT) contribution over temperature range of 600–1200K. This study shows that PCN productions from the dimerization of 4-CPRs just contain DCNs. All the monochlorinated naphthalene (MCN) detected in the experiment from 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) as precursor are formed form the cross-condensation of PhR with 4-CPR.

Formation of Chlorotriophenoxy Radicals from Complete Series Reactions of Chlorotriophenols with H and OH Radicals.

The chlorothiophenoxy radicals (CTPRs) are key intermediate species in the formation of polychlorinated dibenzothiophenes/thianthrenes (PCDT/TAs). In this work, the formation of CTPRs from the complete series reactions of 19 chlorothiophenol (CTP) congeners with H and OH radicals were investigated theoretically by using the density functional theory (DFT) method. The profiles of the potential energy surface were constructed at the MPWB1K/6-311+G(3df,2p)//MPWB1K/6-31+G(d,p) level. The rate constants were evaluated by the canonical variational transition-state (CVT) theory with the small curvature tunneling (SCT) contribution at 600–1200 K. The present study indicates that the structural parameters, thermal data, and rate constants as well as the formation potential of CTPRs from CTPs are strongly dominated by the chlorine substitution at the ortho-position of CTPs. Comparison with the study of formation of chlorophenoxy radicals (CPRs) from chlorophenols (CPs) clearly shows that the thiophenoxyl-hydrogen abstraction from CTPs by H is more efficient than the phenoxyl-hydrogen abstraction from CPs by H, whereas the thiophenoxyl-hydrogen abstraction from CTPs by OH is less impactful than the phenoxyl-hydrogen abstraction from CPs by OH. Reactions of CTPs with H can occur more readily than that of CTPs with OH, which is opposite to the reactivity comparison of CPs with H and OH.

OH radical-initiated oxidation degradation and atmospheric lifetime of N-ethylperfluorobutyramide in the presence of O2/NOx

The OH radical-initiated oxidation degradation of N-ethylperfluorobutyramide (EtFBA) in the presence of O2/NOx was investigated theoretically by using density functional theory (DFT). All possible pathways involved in the oxidation process were presented and discussed. The study shows that the H abstraction from the C2H2 group in EtFBA is the most energetically favorable because of the lowest barrier and highest exothermicity. Canonical variational transition-state (CVT) theory with small curvature tunneling (SCT) contribution was used to predict the rate constants over the temperature range of 180–370K. At 296K, the calculated overall rate constant of EtFBA with OH radicals is 2.50×10−12cm3molecule−1s−1. The atmospheric lifetime of EtFBA determined by OH radicals is short, about 4.6days at 296K. However, the atmospheric lifetimes of its primary oxidation products, C3F7C(O)N(H)C(O)CH3, C3F7C(O)N(H)CH2CHO and C3F7C(O)NH2, are much longer, about 30–50days. It demonstrates the possibility that the atmospheric oxidation degradation of polyfluorinated amides (PFAMs) contributes to the burden of observed perfluorinated pollutants in the Arctic region. This study reveals for the first time that the water molecule plays an important catalytic effect on several key elementary steps and promotes the degradation potential of EtFBA.

A theoretical study on the mechanism and dynamics of reactions (CF3)2CHOCH2F/(CF3)2CHOCHF2 with OH radical

The information related with the mechanism of reactions (CF3)2CHOCH2F + OH (R1) and (CF3)2CHOCHF2 + OH (R2) was explored theoretically at the BMC-CCSD//BMK/6-311 + G(d,p) level. Based on the optimised structures, energies, and other information, the rate constants were evaluated by the canonical variational transition-state theory with small curvature tunneling contributions in a temperature range of 220–2000 K. For each reaction, there are both hydrogen-abstraction and displacement channels. In addition, more than one hydrogen atom can be abstracted. The relationship between hydrogen abstraction and displacement, between different hydrogen-abstraction channels, and between reactions R1 and R2 are elucidated.

Mechanism and rate constants for complete series reactions of 19 fluorophenols with atomic H

Fluorine-containing halogenated fluorophenol may have effect as intermediate species involved in the formation of polyfluorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/dibenzofurans (PFDDs/Fs). The mechanism for the atomic H initiated reactions with complete series of nineteen fluorophenol congeners was studies using the density functional theory. At the MPWB1K/6-31+G(d,p) level, the geometries and frequencies of reactants, transition states, and products were obtained, and the accurate energetic values were acquired at the MPWB1K/6-311+G(3df,2p) level. The rate constants were evaluated by the canonical variational transition-state theory with the small curvature tunneling contribution over a wide temperature range of 600–1000 K. The study shows that the intramolecular hydrogen-bond in the ortho-substituted FPs as well as the inductive effect of the electron-withdrawing fluorine and steric repulsion of multiple substitutions may ultimately be responsible for the relative strength of the O–H bonds in FPs. The results can be used for further studies on PFDD/Fs formation mechanism.

Quantum chemical and direct dynamic study on homogeneous gas-phase formation of PBDD/Fs from 2,4,5-tribromophenol and 3,4-dibromophenol

2,4,5-Tribromophenol (2,4,5-TBP) and 3,4-dibromophenol (3,4-DBP) have the minimum number of Br atoms needed to form 2,3,7,8-PBDD/Fs, which are the most toxic among all 210 PBDD/F isomers. A mechanistic understanding of the formation of PBDD/Fs is a prerequisite for minimizing their emissions. In this paper, the homogeneous gas-phase formation of PBDD/Fs from 2,4,5-TBP and 3,4-DBP as precursors was investigated theoretically by using the density functional theory (DFT) method. The mathematical model to predict the formation of PBDD/Fs places a high demand on accurate kinetic parameters. So, the rate constants of key elementary steps involved in the formation of PBDD/Fs were calculated by using canonical variational transition-state (CVT) theory with small curvature tunneling (SCT) contribution over a wide temperature range of 600–1200K. The pre-exponential factors and the activation energies are also reported. This might be the first to investigate the formation of 2,3,7,8-PBDD/Fs. The present study shows that the formation of PBDDs dominates over the formation of PBDFs. The meta bromine facilitates the dimerization of bromophenoxy radicals (BPRs), whereas the para and ortho bromines suppress the dimerization of BPRs.

Atmospheric degradation of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins in the presence of NO3 at night

The density functional theory (DFT) has been applied to studies on the homogeneous gas-phase degradation of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (2,3,7,8-TeCDD) initiated by the NO3 radical, which is an important atmospheric species at night. The geometrical parameters and vibrational frequencies of all the stationary points were calculated at the MPWB1K/6-31+G (d,p) level. Potential energies were calculated at the MPWB1K/6-311+G (3df,2p) level. Three sites on 2,3,7,8-TeCDD react with the NO3 radical with different barriers and reaction heats. The addition of NO3 to the carbon atom on the central C–O ring is the most appropriate pathway and with the lower barriers, and the central ring of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin is opened in the subsequent reactions. Some other pathways are stressed for the dechlorination mechanism. Canonical variational transition-state theory with small curvature tunneling contribution was used to calculate the rate constants of each elementary reaction over the temperature range of 200–400 K. The Arrhenius equations were fitted to show the relationship between rate constants and temperature.

Atmospheric oxidation mechanism of polyfluorinated sulfonamides — A quantum chemical and kinetic study

Polyfluorinated sulfonamides (FSAs, F(CF2)nSO2NR1R2) are present in the atmosphere and may serve as the source of perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs, CF3(CF2)nCOO–) in remote locations through long-range atmospheric transport and oxidation. Density functional theory (DFT) molecular orbital theory calculations were carried out to investigate OH radical-initiated atmospheric oxidation of a series of sulfonamides, F(CF2)nSO2NR1R2 (n = 4, 6, 8). Geometry optimizations of the reactants as well as the intermediates, transition states, and products were performed at the MPWB1K level with the 6-31G+(d,p) basis set. Single-point energy calculations were carried out at the MPWB1K/6-311+G(3df,2p) level of theory. The OH radical-initiated reaction mechanism is given and confirms that the OH addition to the sulfone double bond producing perfluoroalkanesulfonic acid directly cannot occur in the general atmosphere. Canonical variational transition-state (CVT) theory with small curvature tunneling (SCT) contribution was used to predict the rate constants. The overall rate constants were determined, k(T) (N-EtFBSA + OH) = (3.21 × 10−12) exp(–584.19/T), k(T) (N-EtFHxSA + OH) = (3.21 × 10−12) exp(–543.24/T), and k(T) (N-EtFOSA + OH) = (2.17 × 10−12) exp(–504.96/T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1, over the possible atmospheric temperature range of 180–370 K, indicating that the length of the F(CF2)n group has no large effect on the reactivity of FSAs. Results show that the atmospheric lifetime of FSAs determined by OH radicals will be 20–40 days, which agrees well with the experimental values (20–50 days), 20 thus they may contribute to the burden of perfluorinated pollution in remote regions.

Mechanism for OH-initiated atmospheric oxidation of the organophosphorus insecticide phorate

Phorate, an extremely hazardous organophosphorus insecticide, is still widely used in many countries and territories currently. It may be released in the atmosphere where it can undergo transport and chemical transformations. In this study, the reaction mechanism for the OH-initiated atmospheric oxidation of phorate was investigated. The geometrical parameters and vibrational frequencies of all the stationary points were calculated at the MPWB1K level with the 6-31G(d,p) basis set. Single-point energy calculations were carried out at the MPWB1K/6-311+G(3df,2p) level. Canonical variational transition-state theory with small curvature tunneling contribution was used to calculate the rate constants over the temperature range of 200–370 K. The Arrhenius formulas were fitted. The results indicate that the channel of the formation of phorate oxon resulting from OH addition to phorate, and H abstractions from the –CH2– portion of the –CH2CH3 group in phorate are energetically favorable. The main degradation products include phorate oxon, SO2.

Formation of bromophenoxy radicals from complete series reactions of bromophenols with H and OH radicals

The bromophenoxy radicals (BPRs) are key intermediate species involved in the formation of polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxin/dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs). In this work, the formation of BPRs from the complete series reactions of 19 bromophenol (BP) congeners with H and OH radicals were investigated theoretically by using the density functional theory (DFT) method and the direct dynamics method. The geometries and frequencies of the reactants, transition states, and products were calculated at the MPWB1K/6-31+G(d,p) level, and the energetic parameters were further refined by the MPWB1K/6-311+G(3df,2p) method. The rate constants were evaluated by the canonical variational transition-state (CVT) theory with the small curvature tunneling (SCT) contribution over a wide temperature range of 600–1200K. The present study indicates that the reactivity of the O–H bonds in BPs as well as the formation potential of BPRs from BPs is strongly related to the bromine substitution pattern. The obtained results can be used for future estimates of PBDD/F emissions quantity based on the well estimated PCDD/F inventory.