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The Formation Kinetics, Mechanisms, and Thermodynamics of S(IV)-Aldehyde Addition Compounds

Citation

Olson, Terese Marie (1988) The Formation Kinetics, Mechanisms, and Thermodynamics of S(IV)-Aldehyde Addition Compounds. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/rpn9-8403. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-11072007-130323

Abstract

The reaction kinetics and thermodynamics of the reversible addition of S(IV) and several aldehydes were studied at low pH in order to determine which carbonyl-bisulfite adducts are potential S(IV) reservoirs in atmospheric water droplets. Benzaldehyde, glyoxal, glyoxylic acid, and hydroxyacetaldehyde were chosen as aldehyde substrates.

Spectrophotometric methods were employed to study the reaction kinetics. Between pH 1 - 3, the two rate-determining steps for adduct formation were the addition of HSO₃⁻ and SO₃²⁻ to the carbonyl carbon atom. The sulfite ion was a much more effective nucleophile than bisulfite; rate constants for sulfite addition are four to five orders of magnitude higher than for bisulfate. Below pH 1, some specific acid catalysis was also observed.

Adduct stability constants were determined by spectrophotometry and from microscopic reversibility relationships. Linear-free-energy relationships between carbonyl-bisulfate adduct stabilities and the Taft σ* parameter were found to hold for a limited set of aldehyde substrates. A relatively high correlation exists between bisulfate adduct stability constants and carbonyl hydration constants.

Criteria were formulated, which can be used to predict the potential effectiveness of a carbonyl to significantly stabilize S(IV) in droplets. Modeling calculations for an open atmosphere show that adduct formation rates are much slower than mass transfer and S(IV) oxidation rates under most fog- and cloud-water conditions. Formation rates of hydroxyacetaldehyde-, glyoxal-, and glyoxylic acid - bisulfate addition compounds are comparable to, or faster than, formation rates of hydroxymethanesulfonate, which has been identified in droplets. Equilibrium calculations suggest that these three addition compounds can also stabilize a significant excess of SO₂ in the liquid phase.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Environmental Engineering Science
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Environmental Science and Engineering
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Hoffmann, Michael R.
Thesis Committee:
  • Hoffmann, Michael R. (chair)
  • Seinfeld, John H.
  • Morgan, James J.
  • Cass, Glen Rowan
  • Gray, Harry B.
Defense Date:25 February 1988
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
Electric Power Research InstituteUNSPECIFIED
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)UNSPECIFIED
Public Health ServiceUNSPECIFIED
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-11072007-130323
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-11072007-130323
DOI:10.7907/rpn9-8403
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
https://doi.org/10.1016/0004-6981(89)90302-8DOIArticle adapted for Chapter 2.
https://doi.org/10.1021/j100402a043DOIArticle adapted for Chapter 3.
https://doi.org/10.1021/j100313a056DOIArticle adapted for Chapter 4.
https://doi.org/10.1021/j100325a050DOIArticle adapted for Chapter 5.
https://doi.org/10.1021/es00176a006DOIArticle adapted for Chapter 6.
https://doi.org/10.1016/0004-6981(86)90318-5DOIArticle adapted for Appendix A.
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:4450
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:28 Nov 2007
Last Modified:16 Apr 2021 23:16

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