Kinetic study of the reaction of the hydroxyl radical (OH) with methyl ethyl ketone (2-butanone) and its deuterated isotopomers at low pressure

Methyl ethyl ketone (2-butanone) in the atmosphere comes from a variety of sources. It is produced commercially as an industrial ketone. It can be formed as a result of the OH or Cl-initiated oxidation of C₄-C₆ alkanes, primarily n-butane, or from the reaction of some alkenes with OH or O₃. Biogenic sources include direct emissions from certain plants as well as emissions from decaying plant matter. Methyl ethyl ketone is removed from the atmosphere primarily by its reaction with OH. A product of this reaction includes acetaldehyde, which is a hazardous air pollutant, can further react to produce peroxy acetyl nitrate (PAN), and can be a significant source of free radicals to the atmosphere. The absolute rate constant for the reaction of OH with methyl ethyl ketone has been measured as a function of temperature at low pressure using discharge-flow techniques coupled with laser induced fluorescence (LIF) detection of OH. In addition, measurements of the rate constants for the reactions of OH with two deuterated isotopomers of methyl ethyl ketone, including CD₃C(O)CH₂CH₃ and CH₃C(O)CD₂CD₃, will be presented to gain a better understanding of the mechanism for this reaction. Theoretical studies of the potential energy surface for this reaction suggest that the reaction proceeds through the formation of a hydrogen-bonded pre-reactive complex, similar to that of several other atmospherically relevant oxygenated VOCs such as acetone, acetic acid, and hydroxyacetone.