The generation of an experimental database for testing predictive models for alpha-Pinene gas- and particle-phase reactions in the atmosphere

Atmospheric chemistry of biogenic and anthropogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has become an increasingly important aspect of environmental policy. Atmospheric oxidation of VOCs produces ozone (O3) and particulate matter (PM), both of which have been shown to have effects on climate and human health. alpha-Pinene, a biogenically emitted VOC, is a source of O 3, and in an urban environment is an important source of urban secondary organic aerosol (SOA). This work attempts to model the O3 and SOA production of alpha-pinene photooxidation in the presence of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and an urban hydrocarbon (HC) mixture. The model was compared against recent experimental data. Under most conditions, the model predicts SOA production well, and fits gas-phase data better than other common mechanisms. Results indicate that further experimentation is required to model alpha-pinene chemistry at alpha-pinene/NOx ratios lower than 1, especially since these are concentrations that are atmospherically relevant.