Picosecond-pulse radiolysis studies to understand the primary processes in radiolysis

Abstract

The use of pulse radiolysis to learn about processes which occur before the beginning of chemical times is discussed. Two examples, the distance distribution of positive and negative ions inn-hexane and the identity of the “dry electron” are discussed in detail. It is shown that the dry electron which reacts is not quasi-free, but instead must be associated with the solvent. Thus, the name “dry electron” is somewhat of a misnomer.