Nitrous oxide, ozone destruction

The last step in the current manufacture of adipic acid involves oxidation by nitric acid, which results in the formation of nitrous oxide (N2O) that is released into the atmosphere. Given that N2O has no tropospheric sinks, it can rise to the stratosphere and be a factor in the destruction of the ozone layer. It also acts as a greenhouse gas (see Section 8.4.1). 

These reactions are important in a cycle that oxidizes CO and hydrocarbons and produces ozone, in the presence of sufficient NO. In photochemical smog, ozone can build up to unhealthy levels of several hundred parts per billion (ppb) as a result of these reactions. There are many other reactions that occur, some of which may be significant at various times, including the destruction of O3 by NO, production and loss of HONO (nitrous oxide) and peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), and further oxidation of CH2O. These reactions, and many more, represent a complex set of chemical interactions. For our purposes here, it is only necessary to note the major... 

The catalytic destruction of ozone by NO is the most important process that occurs in the middle and upper stratosphere. We should stress here that this process is possible even in unpolluted atmosphere since small amounts of nitrous oxide, N2O, from biological denitrification have always been present in the stratosphere, which is the precursor of nitric oxide, NO, in reaction with atomic oxygen (reaction (11)). Most collisions with atomic oxygen form N2 and O2, but a few form NO (see also Section 4)... 

Thus these additional reactions in the stratosphere decrease significantly the rate of ozone destrnction processes, especially nnder contamination of the atmosphere by chlorofluorocarbons and nitrous oxides as the catalysts of ozone destruction reactions. 

Discuss the role of nitrous oxides in stratospheric chemistry of ozone. Discuss the relative importance of this species in ozone destruction. 

Increased concentrations of nitrous oxide, a long-lived greenhouse gas involved in the destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer... 

As seen, both adipic acid and catechol are obtained from benzene, which causes environmental and health problem. Also, benzene is produced from non-renewable source. In addition, in the synthesis of adipic acid, nitrous oxide is generated as a byproduct, which contributes to the greenhouse effect as well as destruction of the ozone layer. 

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