Atmospheric chemistry of CF3CFHOCF3: kinetics of the reaction with Cl atoms and fate of CF3CFO()OCF3 radicals

The kinetics and products of the Cl atom initiated oxidation of CF3CFHOCF3 in 50–700 Torr of air, or N2, diluent at 295±2 K were studied using smog chamber/FTIR techniques. Relative rate methods were used to measure k(Cl+CF3CFHOCF3)=(6.0±0.8)×10−17 cm3 molecule−1 s−1. The reaction of Cl atoms with CF3CFHOCF3 proceeds substantially (approximately a factor of 500) times slower than reported recently by Li et al. [Chem. Phys. Lett. 320 (2000) 70]. The atmospheric degradation of CF3CFHOCF3 gives the alkoxy radical CF3CFO()OCF3. The atmospheric fate of CF3CFO()OCF3 radicals is decomposition via C–C bond scission to give FC(O)OCF3 and CF3 radicals. The atmospheric degradation mechanism of CF3CFHOCF3 is discussed.