Electronic Absorption Spectra of Radical Ions

Book excerpt: The rapid growth in research activities related directly and indirectly to chemical intermediates has increased the demand for dependable spectral information on radical ions. Such information is needed for identifying newly-produced intermediates under various experimental conditions such as laser photolysis, pulse radiolysis, irradiation with synchrotron radiation, electron bombardment, electrolysis, chemical reactions involving electron transfer, and so on. This large-format handbook comprises the first comprehensive compilation of electronic absorption spectra of radical cations and anions. Most radical ions are difficult to produce by conventional methods and their highly reactive character makes their detection and measurement of their spectra difficult. However, the author of this book has employed a unique technique - a combination of matrix isolation and radiolytic methods - which has enabled him to record more than seven hundred spectra - most of which have not been reported before. In addition, approximate extinction coefficients are provided for many radical ions.