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Abstract

The experimental work presented in this dissertation consists of two separate parts. Firstly, a study of the reaction of hydrated electrons with molecular nitrogen is reported. Secondly, the results of an investigation of the effects of Ƴ-radiation on the polar aprotic solvent, propylene carbonate; (a) in the glassy solid state at 77 °K, and (b) as a liquid at room temperature, are presented. Hydrated electrons were generated by Ƴ-radiolysis of aqueous solutions containing H₂ and 0H⁻ and also containing N₂ at concentrations up to 0.1 M (200 atm pressure). Significant yields of ammonia were obtained, but by completely eliminating the gas space above the solution it was shown that the majority of the NH₃ arose through "direct action" of the radiation on dissolved N₂. Although the hydrated electron is one of the most powerful and reactive reducing agents, it is unable to cause reduction fixation of molecular nitrogen. An upper limit of k₁