Peroxyacetyl nitrate is a peroxyacyl nitrate. It is a secondary pollutant present in photochemical smog and PAN concentrations can be sensitive to precursor emissions. It is thermally unstable and decomposes into peroxyethanoyl radicals and nitrogen dioxide gas. It is a lachrymatory substance, meaning that it irritates the lungs and eyes.
Peroxyacetyl nitrate, or PAN, is an oxidant that is more stable than ozone. Hence, it is more capable of long-range transport than ozone. It serves as a carrier for oxides of nitrogen (NOx) into rural regions and causes ozone formation in the global troposphere.
PAN is a greenhouse gas.
Sensitivity
PAN has a sensitivity to precursor emissions, mainly from VOCs and . Similarly, PAN responds non-linearly to precursor changes. For the synthesis, concentrated sulfuric acid is added to degassed n-tridecane and peroxyacetic acid in an ice bath. Next, concentrated nitric acid is added.
Atmospheric effects
Seasonal cycles of PAN have been observed. Meteorological effects such as temperatures, wind patterns, and the availability of radicals influence PANs stability as well as transportation in the atmosphere.