5. Reaction rates with OH
Hydroxyl (OH) radical is an important reactive radical in combustion
and atmospheric chemistry, and it is also widely accepted
that OH radical oxidation of fuels is the major oxidation route for
these molecules under atmospheric and combustion conditions
[38–40]. In particular, the reactions of OH with oxygenates (alcohols,
esters, and ketones) and their branching pathways are one
of the most sensitive reactions that control the ignition and oxidation
behavior in combustion engines, including the advanced low
temperature combustion (LTC) engines [41–43], and the fate of
these oxygenates in the atmosphere [44–47]. Therefore, it is critical
to measure these reaction rate constants to gain better understanding
of the rates of oxidation of these molecules.