Photooxidation of hydrocarbons in the presence of aliphatic aldehydes

A new group of gas-phase reactions have been shown to contribute to the photooxidation of hydrocarbons. The phtotooxidation of aliphatic aldehydes at wavelengths below 3400 angstroms produces intermediates that react with olefinic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Although the photooxidation rates are slower than those induced by nitrogen oxide, the rates are significant, considering the interest in urban atmospheric reactions. These results may indicate that the contro of nitrogen oxides alone may not effectively reduce photochemical air pollution.