Ion-Pair Yields and Kinetic Behavior of Free Charges in Nonpolar Liquids

Yields of Ph3C(+) were determined by microsecond and nanosecond pulse radiolysis of triphenylmethylchloride solutions in five solvents (n-hexane, cyclohexane, 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, carbon tetrachloride, and carbon disulfide). These yields are in excellent agreement with the ion-pair yields determined for the same solvents by conductivity methods. In addition, the triphenylmethylchloride method allows measurements of rate constants for proton-transfer and ion-recombination reactions, as well as the study of the reactivity of model compounds of explosives, or explosives themselves, towards the positive charge. (Author)