Electron solvation dynamics and reactivity in ionic liquids observed by picosecond radiolysis techniques.

On time scales of a nanosecond or less, radiolytically-generated excess electrons in ionic liquids undergo solvation processes and reactions that determine all subsequent chemistry and the accumulation of radiolytic damage. Using picosecond pulse radiolysis detection methods, we observed and quantified the solvation response of the electron in 1-methyl-1-butyl-pyrrolidinium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide and used it to understand electron scavenging by a typical solute, duroquinone.