ELEMENTARY ELECTRON-TRANSFER PROCESSES IN AQUEOUS IONIC SOLUTION

Primary steps of an electron transfer process in an aqueous sodium chl oride solution are investigated by femtosecond absorption spectroscopy of the ionic solute. The influence of the molecular ratio (R = [H2O]/ [NaCl]) on transient electronic configurations of Cl- and on the dynam ics of multiple electron detachment channels is analyzed within the en ergy domain 3.44-0.99 eV (360 - 1250 nm). The results provide direct e vidence for an electric field effect of the sodium ion on one specific electron transfer process. This channel involves transient electron-c hlorine atom pairs ({(Cl:e(-))(pair):(Na+)(hyd)}) and leads to a relax ed polaron-like state ({e(-):Na+}(hyd)).