Organic photochemistry: simulated atmospheric photodecomposition rates of methylene chloride, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, and other compounds

Journal Article · Thu Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1976 · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es60115a006· OSTI ID:7122528

Dilling, W L; Bredeweg, C J; Tefertiller, N B

To estimate the decomposition rates of chloro compounds in the atmosphere, we carried out laboratory studies on the photolysis rates of the four title compounds, six other chlorohydrocarbons, and 23 other organic compounds under simulated atmospheric conditions. In the presence of nitric oxide, vinylidene chloride, cis- and trans-dichloroethylene, trichloroethylene, and vinyl chloride decomposed at moderate rates (estimated half-lives of 5 to 12 h under bright sunlight) when compared with a series of standard hydrocarbons. Chlorobenzene, tetrachloroethylene, and 1,1,2-trichloroethane decomposed slowly (estimated half-lives 20 to 40 h). Methylene chloride and 1,1,1-trichloroethane did not decompose (half-lives >250 and much greater than 1700 h respectively). The photodecomposition rates of several chloro compounds were determined in mixtures with other organic compounds and also in the presence of nitrogen dioxide, ozone, chloral, acetaldehyde, chlorine, and phosgene. The presence of hydrocarbons reduced the decomposition rates of several chloroethylenes.

• Research Organization: Dow Chemical Co., Midland, MI
• OSTI ID: 7122528
• Journal Information: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 10:4; ISSN ESTHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
AROMATICS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
CHLORINATED ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS
CHLORINATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
DECOMPOSITION
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
HALOGENATED ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS
HALOGENATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
HYDROCARBONS
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
OZONE
PHOTOCHEMISTRY
POLLUTION