Identification of organic peroxides in the oxidation of c1---c3 alkanes

Formation of organic peroxides in oxidation of C1---C3 alkanes initiated by Cl atoms in O2---N2 mixtures at 760 torr and 298 K was studied with FT-IR and HPLC method in laboratory. Methyl hydroperoxide (MHP) and ethyl hydroperoxide (EHP) were the main peroxide products and formed early in the oxidation process. Hydroxymethyl hydroperoxide (HOCH2OOH, HMHP ) was identified in the reaction systems. Other two types of peroxides detected were peroxyacetic acid (CH3C(O)OOH, PAA) and dimethyl peroxide (CH3OOH3, DMP). In addition, more than seven peroxide products were not identified. The finding of HMHP in the system indicated that Criegee biradical CH2OO probably was an intermediate in the process of oxidation of alkanes. The results implied that oxidation of alkanes may have a significant contribution to organic peroxides in the troposphere.