The Mechanisms of Atmospheric Oxidation of the Alkenes

The formation of smog in urban atmospheres involves the interaction of sunlight with an air mixture containing nitrogen oxides and reactive hydrocarbons - the most reactive class of these hydrocarbons being alkenes. This text, by a team of leading atmospheric chemists, reviews and evaluates the existing literature on the atmospheric chemistry of these compounds, focusing on the search for a more quantitative understanding of the phenomenon which can then be applied to control methods. It includes examinations of the reactions of alkenes and even suggests areas for further laboratory studies.