Abstract
Formaldehyde, other carbonyl compounds and amines are common atmospheric pollutants emitted from industrial sources in urban areas. These compounds have been proposed to contribute to secondary organic aerosol formation, thus urban air pollution, through a process known as the Mannich reaction. Here we report a laboratory study of the reactions among carbonyl and amine precursor compounds in the bulk phase to determine if the anticipated Mannich-type products form. The reactions are performed under various temperatures ranging from 0°C to 55°C using low concentrations of inorganic or organic acids as the catalyst. The products are characterized by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) for structure elucidation. Results suggest that Mannich-type products form under certain conditions, revealing a potentially new pathway for secondary organic aerosol formation in urban atmosphere.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Song Gao, Dr. Dimitrios Giarikos
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-13-2012 1:00 PM
End Date
4-13-2012 5:30 PM
Exploring a Potential Pathway for Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation in Urban Atmosphere by Laboratory Experiments
Alvin Sherman Library
Formaldehyde, other carbonyl compounds and amines are common atmospheric pollutants emitted from industrial sources in urban areas. These compounds have been proposed to contribute to secondary organic aerosol formation, thus urban air pollution, through a process known as the Mannich reaction. Here we report a laboratory study of the reactions among carbonyl and amine precursor compounds in the bulk phase to determine if the anticipated Mannich-type products form. The reactions are performed under various temperatures ranging from 0°C to 55°C using low concentrations of inorganic or organic acids as the catalyst. The products are characterized by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) for structure elucidation. Results suggest that Mannich-type products form under certain conditions, revealing a potentially new pathway for secondary organic aerosol formation in urban atmosphere.
