Electron attachment in irradiated solutions

Abstract
Transient absorption spectra have been obtained by pulsed radiolysis and flash spectroscopy of neutral and alkaline solutions of benzophenone under anaerobic conditions. These spectra demonstrate the formation of the ketyl radical ion (C$_6$H$_5$)$_2\dot{C}$-O$^-$ as a primary product resulting from electron attachment to benzophenone. In neutral solution, the rapid neutralization of the ketyl ion produces the neutral radical (C$_6$H$_5$)$_2\dot{C}$-OH, and this is shown by a change in the optical absorption spectrum. Neither of the absorption spectra due to these species is observed in acid solutions. These observations show that in neutral and alkaline solution, the hydrated electron reacts directly with the solute, whereas in acid solution it is converted to the hydrogen atom before reacting with the solute.

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