Identification of organic peroxides in the oxidation of C1-C3 alkanes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0045-6535(98)00517-7

Formation of organic peroxides in oxidation of C₁-C₃ alkanes initiated by C1 atoms in O₂-N₂ mixtures at 760 torr and 298 K was studied with FT-IR and HPLC method in laboratory. Methyl hydroperoxide (MHP) and ethyl hydroperoxide (EHP) were the main peroxide products and formed early in the oxidation process. Hydroxymethyl hydroperoxide (HOCH₂OOH, HMHP) was identified in the reaction systems. Other two types of peroxides detected were peroxyacetic acid (CH₃C(O)OOH, PAA) and dimethyl peroxide (C-H₃OOCH₃, DMP). In addition, more than seven peroxide products were not identified. The finding of HMHP in the system indicated that Criegee biradical CH₂OO probably was an intermediate in the process of oxidation of alkanes. The results implied that oxidation of alkanes may have a significant contribution to organic peroxides in the troposphere.