Excess electrons in liquid and glassy alkanes produced by pulse radiolysis

We have observed the “immediate” optical absorption spectra of excess electrons produced by pulse radiolysis of aliphatic hydrocarbons in the temperature range 295-77 K. In deuterated methyl-cyclohexane at 295 K we observe a broad absorption peaking around 3250 nm. As the temperature is lowered the absorption spectrum narrows and shifts to the blue. We compare the results obtained to the theoretical semicontinuum model and to previously reported experimental data. In addition we have observed the transient optical absorption spectra of excess electrons in water saturated methylcyclohexane and n-hexane between 1000 and 2500 nm. We conclude that the probability of optical transition of the localised electron in these systems is a function of the interaction between the hydrocarbon and water molecules.