HO2• as a potential reactant for the bimolecular reaction of tert-butoxy radicals in the atmosphere

Alkoxy radicals are key intermediates in the atmospheric degradation of volatile organic compounds. For most alkoxy radicals, reaction with O-2 is the primary loss mechanism; however, only alpha-hydrogen-bearing alkoxy radicals undergo a reaction with O-2. Interestingly, if one considers an alkoxy radical that does not possess an alpha-hydrogen, reaction with O-2 is unlikely. In the present work, we propose HO2 center dot as a potential reactant for such alkoxy radicals. We have considered the tert-butoxy radical (tBuO(center dot)) as a prototype for those alkoxy radicals that do not possess an alpha-hydrogen. By means of high-level quantum chemical calculations, we have studied the energetics of the tBuO(center dot) + HO2 center dot reaction along with isomerization and decomposition pathways. Finally, we have discussed the possible atmospheric implications of all three paths in the atmosphere using reaction rate calculations.