Atmospheric degradation mechanism of CF3OCF2H

Smog chamber/FTIR techniques were used to study the Cl atom initiated oxidation of CF3OCF2H in 700 Torr of N2/O2 at 295±2 K. Atmospheric oxidation of CF3OCF2H proceeds via the formation of CF3OCF2 radicals. The atmospheric fate of CF3OCF2 radicals is addition of O2 to give CF3OCF2O2 radicals. In the atmosphere CF3OCF2O2 radicals are converted via COF2 and CF3OH into CO2 and HF. Relative rate techniques were used to measure k(Cl+CF3OCF2H)=(2.3±0.3)×10−17 cm3 molecule−1 s−1. The results are discussed with respect to the atmospheric degradation and environmental impact of CF3OCF2H.