The kinetics of the reactions of hydroxyl radical with n-octane (k(1)), n-nonane (k(2)), and n-decane (k(3)) at 240-340 K and a total pressure of similar to 1 Torr has been studied using relative rate combined with discharge flow and mass spectrometer (RR/ DF/ MS) technique. The rate constant for these reactions was found to be positively dependent on temperature, with an Arrhenius expression of k(1) = (2.27 +/- 0.21) x 10(-11)exp[(-296 +/- 27)/T], k(2) = (4.35 +/- 0.49) x 10(-11)exp[(-411 +/- 32)/T], and k(3) = (2.26 +/- 0.28) x 10(-11)exp[(-160 +/- 36)/ T] cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) (uncertainties taken as 2 sigma), respectively. Our results are in good agreement with previous studies at and above room temperature using different techniques. Assuming that the reaction of alkane with hydroxyl radical is the predominant form for loss of these alkanes in the troposphere, the atmospheric lifetime for n-octane, n-nonane, and n-decane is estimated to be about 43, 35, and 28 h, respectively.