Theoretical study on gas-phase reactions of nitrate radicals with methoxyphenols: Mechanism, kinetic and toxicity assessment

Creosol and 4-ethylguaiacol are two important methoxyphenols, lignin pyrolysis products, which are discharge into the atmosphere in large quantities. In this work, theoretical calculations of the reaction mechanism towards the two compounds with NO3 radicals was performed using DFT method. The rate constants and toxicity assessment were also investigated. The atmospheric lifetime for creosol and 4-ethylguaiacol were 0.82 and 0.19 h, respectively. A new reaction pathway was proposed for the transformation of methoxyl into hydroxyl, which has not yet been clarified in previous studies. The toxicity of methoxyphenols and their degradation products is closely related to their hydrophobicity. Although most degradation products are less toxic, they also should be pay more attention, especially for nitro-substituents. A new reaction pathway was proposed for the transformation of methoxyl into hydroxyl. The toxicity is closely related to their hydrophobicity.