New Insights into the Radical Chemistry and Product Distribution in the OH-Initiated Oxidation of Benzene

Abstract

Emissions of aromatic compounds cause air pollution and detrimental health effects. Here, we explore the reaction kinetics and products of key radicals in benzene photo-oxidation. After initial OH addition and reaction with O₂, the effective production rates of phenol and bicyclic peroxy radical (BCP-peroxy) are experimentally constrained at 295 K to be 420 ± 80 and 370 ± 70 s⁻¹, respectively. These rates lead to approximately 53% yield for phenol and 47% yield for BCP-peroxy under atmospheric conditions. The reaction of BCP-peroxy with NO produces bicyclic hydroxy nitrate with a branching ratio <0.2%, indicating efficient NO_x recycling. Similarly, the reaction of BCP-peroxy with HO₂ largely recycles HO_x, producing the corresponding bicyclic alkoxy radical (BCP-oxy). Because of the presence of C–C double bonds and multiple functional groups, the chemistry of BCP-oxy and other alkoxy radicals in the system is diverse. Experimental results suggest the aldehydic H-shift and ring-closure to produce an epoxide functionality could be competitive with classic decomposition of alkoxy radicals. These reactions are potential sources of highly oxygenated molecules. Finally, despite the large number of compounds observed in our study, we are unable to account for ∼20% of the carbon flow.