Secondary organic aerosol formation from isoprene photooxidation under high-NO_x conditions

The oxidation of isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene) is known to play a central role in the photochemistry of the troposphere, but is generally not considered to lead to the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA), due to the relatively high volatility of known reaction products. However, in the chamber studies described here, we measure SOA production from isoprene photooxidation under high-NO_x conditions, at significantly lower isoprene concentrations than had been observed previously. Mass yields are low (0.9–3.0%), but because of large emissions, isoprene photooxidation may still contribute substantially to global SOA production. Results from photooxidation experiments of compounds structurally similar to isoprene (1,3-butadiene and 2- and 3-methyl-1-butene) suggest that SOA formation from isoprene oxidation proceeds from the further reaction of first-generation oxidation products (i.e., the oxidative attack of both double bonds). The gas-phase chemistry of such oxidation products is in general poorly characterized and warrants further study.