As part of the 2000 Texas Air Quality Study (TexAQS), we studied the isoprene oxidation process under ambient conditions to
discern the presence of chlorine atom (Cl) chemistry in the Houston, Texas urban area. By measuring chloromethylbutenone (CMBO)
and an isomer of chloromethylbutenal (CMBA), we clearly observed sixteen episodes of active Cl chemistry during the 24-day
experiment. Estimated median Cl concentration during each of these episodes was between the detection limit of ~102 atoms cm−3 and 50 - 30 + 70 ×104 50_{ - 30}^{ + 70} \times {10^4} atoms cm−3. Cl concentration during all the episodes averaged 7.6 - 2.0 + 4.7 ×104 7.6_{ - 2.0}^{ + 4.7} \times {10^4} atoms cm−3 and thus amounted to less than 3% of the OH concentration during the same periods. During the episodes, the fraction of oxidation
chemistry initiated by Cl ranged from 3–43% and was strongly dependent on the quantity and type of hydrocarbons present in
the atmosphere. Because of its intermittent presence and low concentration, Cl is not a broadly influential oxidant in the
Houston, Texas urban area. 相似文献