volatileen
Volatileen is a term used to describe volatile chemical species characterized by a tendency to vaporize at ambient temperatures and pressures. In practice, volatileen include many organic compounds with high vapor pressures, as well as some inorganic species with low boiling points. The term is commonly used in chemistry and environmental science to distinguish substances that contribute to atmospheric vapor phases from those that remain primarily in condensed phases.
Key properties of volatileen include relatively low boiling points, high vapor pressures, and significant vapor-phase concentrations
Classification: Volatileen span hydrocarbon groups (alkanes, alkenes, alkynes), oxygenated compounds (alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters), terpenes, and
Natural and anthropogenic sources: plants emit terpenoid volatileen; animals and microbes release others; industry uses solvents,
Impact and regulation: Volatileen contribute to air quality issues through ozone formation and secondary organic aerosols.
See also: volatile organic compounds, VOCs; boiling point; atmospheric chemistry.