Study of the degradation of amines emitted to the atmosphere

It is proposed to undertake a fundamental and systematic quantum chemistry study of the atmospheric reactions of simple amines for which there are experimental studies of the products formed in the OH-initiated degradation. Each elementary step in the deg radation process will be calculated from first principles. The results from the theoretical study will form the basis for predictions of the atmospheric fate of the more complex amines projected to be used in large scale industrial CO2 capture plants, an d for which there are no relevant experimental information available.