Laboratory observation of oligomers in the aerosol from isoprene/NOₓ photooxidation

Abstract

Compounds assigned to be oxidation products of isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene) have recently been observed in ambient aerosols, suggesting that isoprene might play an important role in secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation due to its large global source strength. SOA yields from photooxidation of isoprene and NOₓ in a chamber agree fairly well with previous data. Matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry showed the formation of high molecular weight compounds over the course of 15-hour experiments. Concurrently, the volatility of the SOA decreased markedly as observed by a tandem differential mobility analyzer. The volume fraction remaining of SOA at 150°C increased steadily from 5 to 25% during the same experiments. These observations are attributed to oligomerization reactions occurring in the aerosol phase. Under dry conditions a lower volatility was observed.