Nanosecond pulse radiolysis study of radical cations in liquid alkanes

After electron irradiation of several liquid alkanes broad optical absorption bands between 450 and 1000 nm have been measured at room and lower temperature. From the time behaviour of the absorption and its dependence on scavengers, added solutes, and the dose variation, it is concluded that non homogeneously distributed alkane radical cations (RH+) are observed. At temperatures lower than -30 deg C, the life-time of solvated electrons could be extended by adding triethylamine to a n-heptane solution. (author)