Oxidation of Organic Sulfur at the Air-Water Interface of Microdroplets: A New Way of Atmospheric Particle Precursor Formation.

ABSTRACT: Dimethyl sulfide (CH₃SCH₃), methanethiol (CH₃SH), and dimethyl disulfide (CH₃SSCH₃) are the most predominant marine organic sulfur compounds that drive cloud formation by acting as a critical precursor of cloud condensation nuclei. However, discrepancies of natural aerosol radiative effects and climatic impacts between climate model simulations and satellite observations highlight an incomplete understanding of organic sulfur oxidation pathways. Here, we demonstrate a previously unrecognized rapid oxidation mechanism at the air-water interface of microdroplets, where volatile sulfides convert to particle precursors within milliseconds. Combining DFT calculation, QM/MM simulation, and sequential oxidation of possible intermediates, we p

SUBMITTER: Tang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12828607 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature