Reactions of hydroxyl radicals with oxygenated hydrocarbons in the gas phase: a laser photolysis/laser-induced fluorescence study

Hydroxyl radicals (OH) play a key role in ignition processes and in the atmosphere. Thus, the detailed knowledge of the kinetics of OH reactions is crucial in combustion and atmospheric research. In this work, an experimental approach for time-resolved studies of OH radical reactions at high pressures with pulsed laser photolysis/laser-induced fluorescence was revised and the reactions of dimethyl ether, diethyl ether, and dimethoxymethane with OH radicals were investigated in detail. The results reveal a deeper insight into the reaction processes of ether compounds with OH in general, contributing to a better understanding of the combustion of different biofuels and fuel additives.