Laboratory studies of organic peroxy radical chemistry: An overview with emphasis on recent issues of atmospheric significance

Formed in the atmospheric oxidation of essentially every organic species emitted, their chemistry is part of the radical cycles that control the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere and lead to the formation of ozone, organic nitrates, organic acids, particulate matter and other so-called secondary pollutants.

In this review, laboratory studies of this peroxy radical chemistry are detailed, as they pertain to the chemistry of the atmosphere. First, a brief discussion of methods used to detect the peroxy radicals in the laboratory is presented. Then, the basic reaction pathways - involving RO₂ unimolecular reactions and bimolecular reactions with atmospheric constituents such as NO, NO₂, NO₃, O₃, halogen oxides, HO₂, and other RO₂ species - are discussed.