Atmospheric chemistry of CF₃CN: Kinetics and products of reaction with OH radicals, Cl atoms and O₃

Long path length FTIR-smog chamber techniques were used to study the title reactions in 700 Torr of N2, oxygen or air diluent at 296 ± 2 K. Values of k(Cl + CF3CN) = (2.43 ± 0.33) × 10-15 and k(OH + CF3CN) = (4.61 ± 0.34) × 10-15 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 were measured. There was no discernible reaction of CF3CN with O3 and an upper limit of k(O3 + CF3CN) ≤ 7.9 × 10-24 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 was established. The IR spectra of CF3CN and CF3CF2CN are reported. The atmospheric lifetime of CF3CN is determined by the reaction with OH and is approximately 6.9 years. Reaction of CF3CN with Cl atoms in a chamber study gives (Z-) and/or (E-) CF3CClNCl and CF3C(O)Cl as major primary products. Under environmental conditions, the OH radical initiated oxidation gives COF2 in a yield of (96 ± 8)%. The global warming potential for CF3CN is estimated as 1030 for a 100 year time horizon.