Pulse Radiolysis of Alkali Metal Solutions in Ethylamine

Abstract

Pulse radiolysis of solutions of alkali metal ethylamides in ethylamine shows the formation of three distinct species; the solvated electron es−, the alkali metal anion M−, and a species considered to be the cation–electron pair with stoichiometry M. The three species coexist in equilibrium in accord with the equations[Formula: see text]Studies of these solutions as a function of temperature, alkali metal concentration, and added complexing agents ("crown" compounds) show that es− and M have distinct absorption spectra with the former having a maximum ≥ 1800 nm. The latter exhibit maxima at 1400 nm for Na and K, ~1400 nm for Cs, and 1600–1700 nm for Li. The corresponding M− species were observed in sodium, potassium, and cesium solutions with absorption maxima at 680, 890, and 1100 nm, respectively.Rate and equilibrium constants for the formation of M and M− vary markedly with the nature of the alkali metal. Estimates for these constants along with the extinction coefficients for the various species are summarized and compared with data obtained in alkali metal solutions.