Current research, both theoretical and experimental, relating to the production and kinetics of interactions of solvated electrons is reviewed. Particular attention is focused on solvated electrons generated by ionizing radiation in water, alcohols, and organic systems

Thomas, J. K.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

September 1969	 Brief 69-10430 
*tIC Y CO
AEC-NASA TECH BRIEF 
AEC-NASA Tech Briefs describe innovations resulting from the research and development program 
of the U.S. AEC or from AEC-NASA interagency efforts. They are issued to encourage commercial 
application. Tech Briefs are published by NASA and may be purchased, at 15 cents each, from 
the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Production of Solvated Electrons 
Current research, both theoretical and experi-
mental, relating to the production and kinetics of 
interactions of solvated electrons is reviewed (I). 
Particular attention is focused on solvated electrons 
generated by ionizing radiation in water, alcohols, 
and organic systems. 
The blue color, paramagnetism, and electrical con-
ductivity of solutions of alkali metals in liquid 
ammonia have long been known. The most satisfac-
tory explanation of the properties of these solutions 
is in terms of ionization of the metal to its ion and 
an electron, and subsequent solvation of the ions. 
The increased electrical conductivity and magnetic 
properties all support this conclusion, and the con-
cept of a solvated electron can account satisfactorily 
for the blue color of these solutions. 
Early in the 1950's the concept of a solvated elec-
tron in aqueous systems, by analogy with ammonia, 
was introduced in order to explain the properties of 
the reducing species produced during radiolysis of 
water. The term "hydrated electron" has gained much 
favor for the solvated electron in water. During the 
last decade, considerable data have accumulated to 
illustrate the validity of the original concept of 
solvated electrons in the radiolysis processes of 
polar liquids and possibly of nonpolar liquids also. In 
the case of the hydrated electron, kinetic data have 
been most prolific and have stimulated some interest-
ing postulates on kinetics. 
Although so much emphasis is placed on solvated 
electrons in radiation chemistry, they are produced 
in other chemical processes also. Some of the more 
important methods of production of solvated electrons, 
such as from alkali metals in liquid ammonia, water,
or alcohols, and their photolytic production are 
described. The properties and the rate processes of 
solvated electrons are also described. 
Reference: 
1. J. K. Thomas, Methods of Production of Solvated 
Electrons and Their Chemical and Physical Prop-
erties (Argonne National Laboratory, July 1967). 
Notes: 
1. Physical, organic, and kinetics chemists will be 
interested. The effects of radiation-induced reac-
tion may interest the medical and biological pro-
fessions; they may help understanding of the 
mechanisms by which genetic transformations 
and tissue damage are accomplished. 
2. Inquiries concerning this innovation may be di-
rected to:
Office of Industrial Cooperation 
Argonne National Laboratory 
9700 South Cass Avenue 
Argonne, Illinois 60439 
Reference: B69-10430 
Source: J. K. Thomas 
Chemistry Division 
(ARG-l04l6) 
Patent status: 
Inquiries concerning rights for commercial use of 
this innovation may be made to: 
Mr. George H. Lee, Chief 
Chicago Patent Group 
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission 
Chicago Operations Office 
9800 South Cass Avenue 
Argonne, Illinois 60439
Category 03 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the Atomic
	 liability resulting from the use of the information contained in this 
Energy Commission and/or the National Aeronautics and Space
	 document, or warrants that the use of any information, apparatus, 
Administration. Neither the United States Government nor any per-
	 method, or process disclosed in this document may not infringe pri-
son acting on behalf of the United States Government assumes any vately owned rights.
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Production of solvated electrons

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