Chemical compound class highly reactive substances were first discovered in the Earth’s atmosphere: hydrotrioxides.. Compounds are made up of three oxygen atoms bonded together (trioxides), making the molecules even more reactive than the peroxides commonly found in the atmosphere. Researchers at the University of Copenhagen were able to identify the trioxide under normal atmospheric conditions.

Professor Henrik Grum Kjærgaard, who is responsible for the study, from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Copenhagen, says the compound is unique in its composition and that, despite being highly reactive, it is capable of forming under normal atmospheric conditions. “This type of connection that we found is unique in its structure.they probably bring a number of effects that we have yet to identify.“.

hydrotrioxides ROOOH

Hydrotrioxides (ROOOH, as their chemical composition is represented) are formed from the decomposition of substances such as dimethyl sulfide and isoprene and represent an entirely new class of chemical compounds. Despite their high reactivity, they are relatively stable, researchers have shown that such compounds can persist in the atmosphere for minutes to hours, allowing them to react with numerous other elements. Consequently, can affect both human health and the global climate.

However, the researchers firmly state that search results should not disturb anyone. After all, everything indicates that hydrotrioxides have always been present in the atmosphere, they just have never been identifiedWith.

Study co-author Eva R. Kjærgaard comments that in addition to respiratory and cardiovascular disease, trioxides can wreak havoc on the climate: “Sunlight is reflected and absorbed by aerosols, this affects the Earth’s heat balance, that is, the fraction of light the Earth absorbs and sends back to space. When aerosols absorb substances, they increase in size and contribute to the formation of clouds that affect the climate.”

The researchers say the results from the study are interesting despite being very preliminary. For them, the study of trioxides will be important to analyze the effects of the chemical compounds we emit. “Most human activity results in the release of chemicals into the atmosphere. Therefore, knowing these reactions is important to help us predict how our actions will affect the atmosphere and the future,” commented co-author Kristan H. Møller.

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Source: Copenhagen College.