What beneficial role does OH- play in the Earth's troposphere?

OH• is the hydroxyl radical, in which a free unpaired electron is left on the oxygen. Because it's highly reactive due to this free electron, it's capable of scrubbing out most of the hydrocarbon/organic solvents in the air that's released by industry and oil refineries. The oxygen binds to the hydrogens and carbons of the compound and tear it to pieces into water, carbon dioxide, and any other subsequent halogen or nitrogen attached.