The pulse radiolysis of decaborane-14 solutions

Abstract

Results for the pulse radiolysis of B₁₀H₁₄ in selected solvent systems are reported. In polar solvents the solvated electron is rapidly scavenged by B₁₀H₁₄ with k >~ 2x10¹⁰ 1. mol^-1 s^-1. In H₂O, CH₃0H and C₂H₅0H a transient optical absorption (G x ε ≈ 10⁴ 1. mol^-1 cm^-1) attributed to boranyl radicals is observed. A lower yield is observed in aqueous acid and hydrocarbon solutions and in the presence of electron scavengers. The results are consistent with an electron scavenging reaction leading to formation of a boranyl radical.