The release of volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere contributes to the formation of ozone and other components of photochemical smog. The interaction of ethers with hydroxyl radicals needs to be understood to evaluate their impact on the environment.

John Wenger and colleagues, University College Cork, Ireland, have investigated the atmospheric oxidation mechanism of 1,3-dioxane. The major products of the oxidation were (2-oxo-ethoxy)methyl formate, formic acid and methylene glycol diformate and the yield of formic acid was show to decrease by a factor of two in the absence of NO_x. The results indicated H-atom abstraction from an α-C is the principle mode of attack, followed by bond C—C cleavage.

The products are expected to be further oxidized to methylene glycol diformate and be precipitated out of the atmosphere.

• Product Study of the OH Radical and Cl Atom Initiated Oxidation of 1,3-Dioxane
  J. Moriarty, J. C. Wenger, H. W. Sidebottom,
  ChemPhysChem, 2010, 11.
  DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201000503