Nitrate Radical Reactions

So, the question is, why are we concerned with the nitrate radical? The reactions of nitrate in the atmosphere are mainly with what are known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a catagorization that includes alkanes, alkenes, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Upon reaction with VOC, a chain of radical reactions is started that eventually goes to form ozone. Although we will study the formation of ozone later in this course, for now let's look at the first steps in the reaction of alkanes with NO3:

RH + NO3 --> R + HNO3
R + O2 + M -->(fast) RO2 + M

The RO2 radical then continues on in other reaction pathways to eventually form ozone. The following graphic shows the nitrate radical with its major reactions:

image of nitrate radical reactions

Quick Quiz: The main species that nitrate reacts with in the troposphere are:
Nitrogen Oxides
Sulfur Oxides
Hydroxyl Radicals
Volatile Organic Compounds

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