Bailey, Clark, Ferris, Krause and Strong, “Chemistry of the Environment,” second

edition (San Diego: Academic Press) 2002.

Photochemical Smog:
[NO 2 ]
[O3] depends on the ratio
[NO]
and on [VOC]

Generally, [VOC]  [O3]

BUT
If VOC are in excess, changing [VOC]
has little effect; [NOx]  [O3]

If [VOC] is low relative to [NOx], a situation

can occur where [NOx]  [O3]

Why? VOC, NOx compete for OH

[NOx]  more VOC reacts w/ OH  [O3]