Gas phase reactions of CF3O− and CF3O−H2O with nitric, formic, and acetic acid

The reactions of CF 3 O − , CF 3 O − H 2 O and CF 3 O − HF with HNO 3 , HCOOH, and CH 3 COOH have been studied at room temperature in a flowing afterglow instrument. Apart from the reaction of CF 3 O − HF with CH 3 COOH, all reactions proceed at the collision rate. Bare CF 3 O − ions react with the three acids mainly by fluoride transfer. An unambiguous identification of the reaction mechanisms of CF 3 O − H 2 O and CF 3 O − HF with the three neutral reactants is difficult to assess. The possibility to perform in situ measurements of HNO 3 , HCOOH, and CH 3 COOH concentrations in the atmosphere by chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS), using a CF 3 O − ion source will be discussed.