Observations on solvated electrons in aliphatic hydrocarbons at room temperature by pulse radiolysis

Abstract

The spectra of solvated electrons (e^–_s) in n-hexane, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane and isopentane at room temperature have been obtained. Electron-cation recombination reactions are second order and have rate constants 1–20 × 10¹⁴ M^–1 s^–1 at 20°C. The rate constants for the reaction of e^–_s with pyrene and carbon tetrachloride in n-hexane are 1.0 × 10¹² M^–1 s^–1 and the latter reaction has an activation energy of 5 ± 1 kcal mol^–1. The relationship of these observations to mobilities of electrons in hydrocarbons measured by conductivity is discussed.