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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Exploring the Radical Nature of a Carbon Surface by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and a Calibrated Gas Flow
Published on: April 24, 2014
Gas-phase radical chemistry in the troposphere
1Department of Chemistry, University of Leicester, UK. P.S.Monks@le.ac.uk
Abstract:
Atmospheric free radicals are low concentration, relatively fast reacting species whose influence is felt throughout the atmosphere. Reactive radicals have a key role in maintaining a balanced atmospheric composition through their central function in controlling the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere. In this tutorial review, the chemistry of three main groups of atmospheric radicals HO(x), NO(x) and XO(x)(X = Cl, Br, I) are examined in terms of their sources, interconversions and sinks. Key examples of the chemistry are given for each group of radicals in their atmospheric context.
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