Resonance Raman Spectra of Electrons Solvated in Liquid Alcohols

Abstract

Resonance Raman spectra of electrons solvated in liquid methanol, ethanol, and n-propanol are presented. At least five distinct solvent modes exhibit resonantly enhanced scattering, including the OH torsion, CO/CC stretches, the OH in-plane bend, methyl deformations, and the OH stretch. The 200-350 cm-1 frequency downshift of the OH stretch indicates a strong H-bond interaction between the electron and the hydroxyl group. The multiple modes including alkyl vibrations that are coupled to the electronic transition of the solvated electron reveal the extension of the electron's wavefunction into the alkyl solvent environment.