Analytical optical methods for measuring organic peroxides and hydroperoxides: An evaluation

Hydrogen peroxide, organic peroxides and hydroperoxides exhibit high reactivity and play a pivotal role in atmospheric chemistry. These compounds are formed during the oxidation of volatile organic compounds in both gaseous and aqueous phases, particularly under low NOx conditions. Their significant contribution to the mass of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) is well-documented, and they are believed to have significant health implications. Several spectrophotometric methods have been employed to measure SOA-bound peroxides in laboratory samples, but systematic comparisons are lacking. In this study, we have assessed the advantages and limitations of these methods, including the traditional and microwave-assisted iodometric methods, the 4-nitrophenyl boronic acid assay (NPBA), and the Fenton reaction-assisted ferrous-xylenol (FOX2) assay. Besides, a comprehensive evaluation of these methodologies was conducted for the first time across a substantial cohort of commercial peroxides and hydroperoxides, employing diverse solvents (namely, water, 1-propanol, acetonitrile, methanol and chloroform) to provide broader insights compared to previous work. Ultimately, the four methods were applied and compared for peroxide determination in laboratory-generated SOA resulting from gas-phase ozonolysis of α-pinene. This study opens new opportunities for future mechanistic investigation into SOA formation and reactivity.