Biofuel Additive's Fleeting Life and Toxic Legacy
Source PublicationThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A
Primary AuthorsYu, Zhou, Ni et al.
The biofuel additive 4-methylcyclohexanol (4MCHexOH) is widely used, yet its environmental behaviour has been poorly understood. New theoretical research has shed light on how this chemical breaks down in the atmosphere, revealing a complex picture of risk and reward.
Using detailed computer modelling, scientists investigated how 4MCHexOH reacts with highly reactive •OH radicals, key players in atmospheric chemistry. They discovered 12 different ways the molecule can be attacked, with one pathway being significantly easier than the others.
The study calculates that the additive has a very short atmospheric lifetime, lasting anywhere from just under an hour to about 17 hours under typical conditions. In the extreme heat of combustion, like inside an engine, its life is even shorter, at around 14 seconds.
Crucially, the subsequent reactions determine its environmental impact. Some pathways lead to the formation of toxic and persistent pollutants, while others result in far less harmful substances. This understanding is vital for the future optimisation of biofuels and managing their environmental risks effectively.