Electron trapping by methanol aggregates in dilute solution in nonpolar solvents

Abstract

In order to further elucidate the mechanism of electron solvation in polar liquids we have determined the rate of electron attachment to solute methanol aggregates, as a function of methanol concentration, in two nonpolar solvents. An infrared technique was used to measure the extent of methanol aggregation in the solutions. The methanol is present as monomer at low concentration but at high concentration forms aggregates which are mostly pentamers. The electron in unreactive with monomer but reacts at high rate with aggregate species. The reaction with pentamers is reversible, but the electron reacts irreversibly with larger aggregates. The results indicate a dynamic nature for the electron which can autodetach from shallow traps.