Atmospheric chemistry of CF3CH2OCH3: Reaction with chlorine atoms and OH radicals, kinetics, degradation mechanism and global warming potential

FTIR smog chamber techniques were used to measure k(Cl + CF3CH2OCH3) = (2.28 +/- 0.44) x 10(-11) and k(OH + CF3CH2OCH3) = (4.9 +/- 1.3) x 10(-13) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) in 700 Torr total pressure of air at 296 +/- 2 K. The atmospheric lifetime of CF3CH2OCH3 is estimated at 25 days. Reaction of Cl atoms with CF3CH2OCH3 proceeds 79 +/- 4% at the -CH3 group and 22 +/- 2% at the -CH2- group. Reaction with OH radicals proceeds 55 +/- 5% at the -CH3 group yielding CF3CH2OCHO and 45 +/- 5% at the -CH2- group yielding COF2 and CH3OCHO as primary oxidation products. The infrared spectrum of CF3CH(O)OCH3 was measured and a global warming potential GWP(100) = 8 was estimated. The atmospheric chemistry and environmental impact of CF3CH2OCH3 is discussed in context of the use of hydrofluoroethers as CFC substitutes. (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.