Production of hydrogen peroxide and organic peroxides in the gas phase reactions of ozone with natural alkenes

The formation of H 2 O 2 and organic peroxides in the reaction of O 3 with trans‐2‐butene and naturally occurring alkenes has been studied using a 31 m 3 reaction chamber. H 2 O 2 and organic peroxides were found to be products of the O 3 reaction with trans‐2‐butene, isoprene, α and ß‐pinene, and limonene. Water is necessary for the formation of H 2 O 2 and most of the H 2 O 2 is formed via a route that does not involve HO 2 radicals. Our results indicate that the reaction of O 3 with natural alkenes may be a significant source of atmospheric H 2 O 2 , particularly in forest and rural areas.