Some small molecules in the atmosphere can also act as photoinitiators by decomposing to give free radicals (in photochemical smog). For instance, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is produced in large quantities by gasoline-burning internal combustion engines. NO2 in the troposphere gives smog its brown coloration and catalyzes production of toxic ground-level ozone (O3). Molecular oxygen (O2) also serves as a photoinitiator in the stratosphere, breaking down into atomic oxygen and combining with O2 in order to form the ozone in the ozone layer.
Reactions
Photoinitators can create reactive species by different pathways including photodissociation and electron transfer. As an example of dissociation, hydrogen peroxide can undergo homolytic cleavage, with the O−O bond cleaving to form two hydroxyl radicals.
These free radicals can now promote other reactions.
Atmospheric photoinitiators
Peroxides
Hydrogen peroxide, the simplest peroxide
Since molecular oxygen can abstract H atoms from certain radicals, the HOO· radical is easily created. This particular radical can further abstract H atoms, creating H2O2, or hydrogen peroxide; peroxides can further cleave photolytically into two hydroxyl radicals. More commonly, HOO can react with free oxygen atoms to yield a hydroxyl radical (·OH) and oxygen gas. In both cases, the ·OH radicals formed can serve to oxidize organic compounds in the atmosphere.[1]
H2O2 → 2 ·OH
HOO· + O → O2 + ·OH
·OH + CH4 → ·CH3 + H2O
Nitrogen dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide, a large contributor to the production of smog
Nitrogen dioxide can also be photolytically cleaved by photons of wavelength less than 400 nm[2] producing atomic oxygen and nitric oxide.
NO2 → NO + O
Atomic oxygen is a highly reactive species, and can abstract a H atom from anything, including water.
O + H2O → 2 ·OH
Nitrogen dioxide can be regenerated through a reaction between certain peroxy-containing radicals and NO.
ROO· + NO → NO2 + RO·
Molecular oxygen
In the stratosphere, molecular oxygen (O2) is an important photoinitiator that begins the ozone-production process in the ozone layer. Oxygen can be photolyzed into atomic oxygen by light with wavelength less than 240 nm.[3]
O2 → 2O
Atomic oxygen can then combine with more molecular oxygen to form ozone.
O + O2 → O3
However, ozone can also be photolyzed back into O and O2.
O3 → O + O2
Furthermore, atomic oxygen and ozone can combine into O2.
O + O3 → 2 O2
This set of reactions govern the production of ozone and can be combined to calculate its equilibrium concentration.
Commercial photoinitiators and uses
AIBN
Azobisisobutyronitrile, a commonly used industrial photoinitiator, and its breakdown into two radicals and nitrogen gas
Azobisisobutyronitrile is a white powder often used as a photoinitiator for vinyl-based polymers such as polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC. Because this particular photoinitiator produces nitrogen gas (N2) upon decomposition, it is often used as a blowing agent to change the shape and/or texture of plastics.
Benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide, a common photoinitiator used in plastics production and in acne medication
Benzoyl peroxide, much like azobisisobutyronitrile, is a white powder used as a photoinitiator in various commercial and industrial processes, including plastics production. Unlike AIBN, however, benzoyl peroxide produces oxygen gas upon decomposing, giving this compound a host of medical uses as well.[4]
Upon contact with the skin, benzoyl peroxide breaks down, producing oxygen gas, among other things. The oxygen gas is absorbed into the pores of the skin, where it kills off the acne-causing bacterium Cutibacterium acnes.
In addition, the free radicals produced can break down dead skin cells. Clearing out these dead cells prevents pore blockage and, by extension, acne breakouts.[5]
example of acrylate polymerization via radical photoinitiation. This type of hydrogel is sometimes used for biosensors as the conditions used are relatively mind to protein allowing them to be entrapped in the hydrogel, whilst retaining functionality and are porous enough to allow the diffusion of small molecules.[6]
Camphorquinone (CQ) is a photosensitiser used with an amine system, that generates primary radicals with light irradiation. These free electron then attack the double bonds of resin monomers resulting in polymerization. The physical properties of the cured resins are affected by the generation of primary radicals during the initial stage of polymerization.
![example of acrylate polymerization via radical photoinitiation. This type of hydrogel is sometimes used for biosensors as the conditions used are relatively mind to protein allowing them to be entrapped in the hydrogel, whilst retaining functionality and are porous enough to allow the diffusion of small molecules.[6]](/en/File:Photoinititaed_polymerization.svg)