Issue 4, 2014

Organic matrix effects on the formation of light-absorbing compounds from α-dicarbonyls in aqueous salt solution

Abstract

Aqueous-phase reactions of organic compounds are of general importance in environmental systems. Reactions of α-dicarbonyl compounds in the aqueous phase of atmospheric aerosols can impact their climate-relevant physical properties including hygroscopicity and absorption of light. Less-reactive water-soluble organic compounds may contribute an organic matrix component to the aqueous environment, potentially impacting the reaction kinetics. In this work we demonstrate the effects of organic matrices on the self-reactions of glyoxal (Gly) and methylglyoxal (mGly) in aqueous solutions containing ammonium sulfate. At an organic-to-sulfate mass ratio of 2 : 1, carbohydrate-like matrices resembling oxidized organic aerosol material reduce the rate of formation of light-absorbing products by up to an order of magnitude. The greatest decreases in the reaction rates were observed for organic matrices with smaller, more linear molecular structures. Initial UV-Vis spectra, product studies, relative rate data, acidity changes, and viscosity measurements suggest that shifts in carbonyl equilibria, due in part to (hemi)acetal formation with the matrix, reduce the rate of formation of light-absorbing imidazole and oligomer species.

Graphical abstract: Organic matrix effects on the formation of light-absorbing compounds from α-dicarbonyls in aqueous salt solution

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
31 Oct 2013
Accepted
11 Dec 2013
First published
12 Dec 2013

Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2014,16, 741-747

Organic matrix effects on the formation of light-absorbing compounds from α-dicarbonyls in aqueous salt solution

G. T. Drozd and V. F. McNeill, Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2014, 16, 741 DOI: 10.1039/C3EM00579H

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