Highly Oxygenated Organic Molecules (HOM) from Gas-Phase Autoxidation Involving Peroxy Radicals: A Key Contributor to Atmospheric Aerosol

Authors:
Top Cited Papers
Open Access
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOM) are formed in the atmosphere via autoxidation involving peroxy radicals arising from volatile organic compounds (VOC). HOM condense on pre-existing particles and can be involved in new particle formation. HOM thus contribute to the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA), a significant and ubiquitous component of atmospheric aerosol known to affect the Earth’s radiation balance. HOM were discovered only very recently, but the interest in these compounds has grown rapidly. In this Review, we define HOM and describe the currently available techniques for their identification/quantification, followed by a summary of the current knowledge on their formation mechanisms and physicochemical properties. A main aim is to provide a common frame for the currently quite fragmented literature on HOM studies. Finally, we highlight the existing gaps in our understanding and suggest directions for future HOM research.
Funding Information
  • Division of Chemistry (1508526)
  • Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung (P2EZP2_168787)
  • European Regional Development Fund
  • Københavns Universitet
  • Research Council of Finland (266388, 299574, 315203)
  • Office of Science (DE-SC0018221)
  • Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS 1801897)
  • H2020 European Research Council (638703)
  • Stiftelsen f?r Strategisk Forskning

This publication has 239 references indexed in Scilit: