Formation of oxidation products in a ventilation system

We have studied the formation of oxidation products from the ozonolysis of a monoterpene (α-pinene) in an authentic ventilation system. We observed ten products, norpinic acid, pinic acid, glyoxal, methyl glyoxal, norpinonic acid, pinonic acid, a C4 dicarbonyl (C4H6O2), a C5 dicarbonyl (C5H8O2), norpinon aldehyde, and pinon aldehyde. Experiments were conducted at a low (2.0 g m−3) and moderate (8 g m−3) humidity levels. All products but C4 dicarbonyl and norpinon aldehyde were detected at the low humidity level, but only glyoxal, methyl glyoxal, C4 dicarbonyl, norpinon aldehyde and pinon aldehyde were detected at a moderate humidity. Experiments were conducted at low ppb levels (75 ppb ozone and 4 and 10 ppb α-pinene) and with a short reaction time (75 s). Experiments showed that 5–6% of the α-pinene reacted, which was approximately 4–5 times more than predicted by theoretical calculations. This discrepancy suggests a significant contribution from heterogeneous reactions. These oxidation products were formed despite low reactant concentrations and a short reaction time, indicating that the formation of oxidation products likely occurs at ambient levels and in real settings.