Global warming potential assessment for CF₃OCF = CF₂

We have examined CF 3 OCF = CF 2 regarding its reactivity toward OH radical, its infrared spectroscopic properties, its atmospheric lifetime, and its radiative forcing. From these we then determined the Global Warming Potentials (GWPs) for CF 3 OCF = CF 2 . The examination is completed using a combination of discharge flow coupled with mass spectrometer and resonance fluorescence (DF/MS/RF), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ab initio molecular orbital calculation, and atmospheric and radiative transfer modeling. Mass spectral evidence suggests that both HF and CF 3 OCFC(O)F are products from the reaction of CF 3 OCF = CF 2 with OH. The Arrhenius expression for CF 3 OCF = CF 2 + OH is determined to be k 1 = (6.41±0.82)×10 −11 exp[(−868±40)/ T ] cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 in the temperature range of 253–348 K. The atmospheric lifetime of CF 3 OCF = CF 2 is estimated to be less than 5 days due to the OH attack. The calculated vibrational frequencies using ab initio molecular orbital calculations are in good agreement with FTIR experimental observation for the CF 3 OCF = CF 2 molecule. Both C‐O and C‐F stretching modes in the CF 3 OCF = CF 2 contribute to prominent absorption in the atmospheric window region. The absolute adjusted radiative forcing at the tropopause due to an increase in the concentration of CF 3 OCF = CF 2 by one part per billion by volume (ppbv) is calculated to be 0.041 W m −2 ppbv −1 . The Global Warming Potential for CF 3 OCF = CF 2 is evaluated to be 0.004 for 100‐year time horizon.