Dipole bound and valence state coupling in argon-solvated nitromethane anions

The coupling between the dipole bound and valence electronic states of the nitromethane anion has been investigated via Rydberg electron transfer spec troscopy and field detachment spectroscopy of the bare and argon-solvated a nions. The unique aspects of the nitromethane system are highlighted by com paring the solvation behavior of nitromethane anion with that of acetonitri le, a system in which the dipole bound state is well-isolated from the reso nance arising from excess electron occupation of its high lying lowest unoc cupied molecular orbital. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-96 06(00)01148-X].