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Purpose of review <p>Organic nitrates (ONs), including alkyl nitrates (RONO<sub>2</sub>) and peroxy nitrates (RO<sub>2</sub>NO<sub>2</sub>), are ubiquitous in the atmosphere. This review aims to clarify the critical role of ONs in connecting volatile organic compound oxidation, reactive nitrogen cycling, and secondary pollutant formation. We summarized recent advances in the formation mechanisms, measurement techniques, and atmospheric impacts of ONs, and identified areas for future research.</p> Recent findings <p>ONs are primarily produced through VOC oxidation under NO<sub>x</sub> conditions, including daytime RO<sub>2</sub> and NO reactions and nighttime NO<sub>3</sub> initiated oxidation, with additional contributions from heterogeneous and multiphase processes. Advances in analytical techniques, from chromatography to real-time mass spectrometry such as AMS and CIMS, have enabled improved molecular-level detection of both gas-phase and particulate ONs. Observational studies further reveal strong regional variability.</p> Summary <p>Overall, ONs are key intermediates linking VOC oxidation, reactive nitrogen cycling, and secondary pollutant formation in the atmosphere. Through their roles in SOA formation, ozone regulation, and brown carbon production, ONs influence air quality, atmospheric oxidation capacity, and climate processes. Continued advances in molecular-level observations and mechanistic understanding will be essential for improving atmospheric models and constraining the environmental impacts of ONs. Future progress will require better molecular-level constraints on ON formation and loss pathways, improved representation of multiphase chemistry and gas–particle partitioning in atmospheric models, and expanded observations across polluted, remote, and vertically resolved environments.</p>

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Atmospheric Organic Nitrates: Formation Mechanism, Measurement Advances, and Implications for Secondary Pollutant Formation and Climate Change

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月27日

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  • Yi Qing,
  • Yiming Qin,
  • Ning Zhang,
  • Junfeng Wang

摘要

Purpose of review

Organic nitrates (ONs), including alkyl nitrates (RONO2) and peroxy nitrates (RO2NO2), are ubiquitous in the atmosphere. This review aims to clarify the critical role of ONs in connecting volatile organic compound oxidation, reactive nitrogen cycling, and secondary pollutant formation. We summarized recent advances in the formation mechanisms, measurement techniques, and atmospheric impacts of ONs, and identified areas for future research.

Recent findings

ONs are primarily produced through VOC oxidation under NOx conditions, including daytime RO2 and NO reactions and nighttime NO3 initiated oxidation, with additional contributions from heterogeneous and multiphase processes. Advances in analytical techniques, from chromatography to real-time mass spectrometry such as AMS and CIMS, have enabled improved molecular-level detection of both gas-phase and particulate ONs. Observational studies further reveal strong regional variability.

Summary

Overall, ONs are key intermediates linking VOC oxidation, reactive nitrogen cycling, and secondary pollutant formation in the atmosphere. Through their roles in SOA formation, ozone regulation, and brown carbon production, ONs influence air quality, atmospheric oxidation capacity, and climate processes. Continued advances in molecular-level observations and mechanistic understanding will be essential for improving atmospheric models and constraining the environmental impacts of ONs. Future progress will require better molecular-level constraints on ON formation and loss pathways, improved representation of multiphase chemistry and gas–particle partitioning in atmospheric models, and expanded observations across polluted, remote, and vertically resolved environments.