Peroxybenzoylnitrate: measurements in smog chambers and in urban air

Peroxybenzoylnitrate (PBzN, C6H5C(O)OONO2), a photochemical atmospheric pollutant and powerful eye irritant, was detected at greater than or equal to 10 ng following aqueous alkaline hydrolysis to benzoate ion and analysis by ion chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Method validation studies and studies of potential interferents including benzaldehyde and benzoic acid are described, together with applications to PBzN measurements in environmental chamber atmospheres and in ambient air.