Temperature effects on the removal of potential HFC replacements, CF3CH2CH2OH and CF3(CH2)2CH2OH, initiated by OH radicals

Environ Sci Technol. 2011 May 15;45(10):4323-30. doi: 10.1021/es103931s. Epub 2011 Apr 15.

Abstract

The gas-phase kinetic coefficients of OH radicals with two primary fluorinated alcohols, CF(3)CH(2)CH(2)OH (k(1)) and CF(3)(CH(2))(2)CH(2)OH (k(2)), potential replacements of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), are reported here as a function of temperature (T = 263-358 K) for the first time. k(1) and k(2) (together referred as k(i)) were measured under pseudo-first-order conditions with respect to the initial OH concentration using the pulsed laser photolysis/laser induced fluorescence technique. The observed temperature dependence of k(i) (in cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1)) is described by the following Arrhenius expressions: k(1)(T) = (2.82 ± 1.28) × 10(-12) exp{-(302 ± 139)/T} cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) and k(2)(T) = (1.20 ± 0.73) × 10(-11) exp{-(425 ± 188)/T} cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1).The uncertainties in the Arrhenius parameters are at a 95% confidence level (± 2σ). Uncertainties in k(i)(T) include both statistical and systematic errors. Activation energies were (2.5 ± 1.2) kJ/mol and (3.6 ± 1.6) kJ/mol for the OH-reaction with CF(3)CH(2)CH(2)OH and CF(3)(CH(2))(2)CH(2)OH, respectively. The global lifetime (τ) at 275 K for CF(3)CH(2)CH(2)OH and CF(3)(CH(2))(2)CH(2)OH due to the OH-reaction was estimated to be ca. 2 weeks and 5 days, respectively. The reported Arrhenius parameters can be used in 3D models that take into account the geographical region and season of emissions for estimating a matrix of instantaneous lifetimes. As a consequence of the substitution of the -CH(3) group by a -CH(2)OH group in HFCs, such as CF(3)CH(2)CH(3) and CF(3)(CH(2))(2)CH(3), the tropospheric lifetime with respect to the OH reaction is significantly shorter and, since their radiative forcing is similar, global warming potentials of CF(3)CH(2)CH(2)OH and CF(3)(CH(2))(2)CH(2)OH are negligible. Therefore, CF(3)CH(2)CH(2)OH and CF(3)(CH(2))(2)CH(2)OH seem to be suitable alternatives to HFCs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / analysis
  • Air Pollutants / chemistry*
  • Alcohols / analysis
  • Alcohols / chemistry*
  • Atmosphere / chemistry
  • Global Warming / prevention & control
  • Green Chemistry Technology
  • Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated / analysis
  • Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated / chemistry*
  • Hydroxyl Radical / chemistry*
  • Kinetics
  • Models, Chemical
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Alcohols
  • Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated
  • Hydroxyl Radical