Characterization of HOCl using atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry

Journal Article · Thu Oct 14 04:00:00 EDT 1999 · Journal of Physical Chemistry A: Molecules, Spectroscopy, Kinetics, Environment, amp General Theory

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/jp9906841· OSTI ID:20001149

Caldwell, T E; Foster, K L; Benter, T; Langer, S; Hemminger, J C; Finlayson-Pitts, B J

HOCl is an important intermediate in stratospheric and tropospheric chemistry. Although it can be readily measured in laboratory systems at low pressures ({le}20 Torr) using conventional electron impact ionization mass spectrometry, there is a need for a measurement technique that can operate at higher pressures, up to 1 atm in air. One such technique seeing increasing use is atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry (API-MS). The authors report here studies of the API-MS of {approximately}0.5--50 ppm HOCl at a total pressure of 1 atm and room temperature. Major peaks from the ion-adducts with Cl{sup {minus}} and OCI{sup {minus}} were observed. The Br{sup {minus}} adduct of HOCl can also be generated using bromoform in the discharge region of the ion source. At the lower range of HOCl concentrations studied in air, the O{sub 2}{sup {minus}} adduct and small parent peaks assigned to HOCl{sup {minus}} were observed. The species present as minor impurities in the HOCl source (Cl{sub 2}, Cl{sub 2}O and HCl) can be readily distinguished through identification of the parent ion for Cl{sub 2}, or as their adducts with Cl{sup {minus}} and Br{sup {minus}} for Cl{sub 2}O and HCI. The identification of HOCl was confirmed using electron impact ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (El-MS). HOCl was quantified using EI-MS to measure the Cl{sub 2} generated when the HOCl reacted heterogeneously on a water-ice/HCl surface and independently by photolysis of the HOCl to generate atomic chlorine, which was trapped using propene and measured as chloroacetone. The implications for the use of API-MS for measuring HOCl in laboratory systems and in ambient air are discussed.

• Research Organization: Univ. of California, Irvine, CA (US)
• OSTI ID: 20001149
• Journal Information: Journal of Physical Chemistry A: Molecules, Spectroscopy, Kinetics, Environment, amp General Theory, Journal Name: Journal of Physical Chemistry A: Molecules, Spectroscopy, Kinetics, Environment, amp General Theory Journal Issue: 41 Vol. 103; ISSN 1089-5639; ISSN JPCAFH
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY
ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
HYPOCHLOROUS ACID
IONIZATION
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
OZONE