Unexpected formation of oxygen-free products and nitrous acid from the ozonolysis of the neonicotinoid nitenpyram
Weihong Wang, Michael J. Ezell, Pascale S. J. Lakey, Kifle Z. Aregahegn, Manabu Shiraiwa, Barbara J. Finlayson‐Pitts
Abstract
Significance The neonicotinoid nitenpyram (NPM) has widespread use in agricultural settings and for flea control in animals. This may be oxidized on contact with air pollutants such as ozone to form new products that have different toxicity compared to the parent compound, yet little is known of the reaction kinetics, products, and mechanisms. We show here that many of the ozonolysis products of NPM do not contain oxygen, despite the highly oxidizing environment. Understanding such unusual and previously unrecognized chemistry is critical for accurate assessment of the environmental fates and impacts of this neonicotinoid. We also show that nitrous acid, a major source of the highly reactive hydroxyl free radical in air (but whose sources are controversial), is also generated.