Pulsed electron radiolysis of solutions of alkali metal cations in methylamine, ethylamine, liquid ammonia, tetrahydrofuran, and diethyl ether demonstrates the formation of solvated electrons, e/sub s//sup -/, ion pairs (M$sup +$, e/sub s//sup -/), and alkali metal anions M$sup -$. Previous work is correlated and kinetic evidence presented for the formation of a triple ion intermediate (Na$sub 2$$sup 2+$, e/sub s//sup -/) in the formation of Na$sup -$ in methylamine. Studies on the formation of Na$sup -$ in metal--ethylamine or-- methylamine solutions containing trace amounts of Na$sup +$ show a marked difference in the rate depending on the metal in excess. Evidence is presented which suggests the formation of a complex with sodium in Li, Mg, or Ca solutions, whereas in K, Cs, or Rb solutions, the reaction proceeds via the corresponding K$sup -$, Cs$sup -$, or Rb$sup -$ species. The spectrum of (Na$sup +$, e sub s// sup -/) was investigated in binary mixtures of THF--ethylamine and ethylamine-- ammonia. In each case, a single absorption was observed; it showed a shift in the band maximum to a wavelength intermediate to that obtained in pure solvents. The effects of ammonia on the formation of, and equilibrium between, (M$sup -$, e/ sub s//sup -/) and M$sup -$ in ethylamine are also discussed. (auth)