Solvated electrons

Solvated electrons are free electrons which have been dissolved in a solution. Solvated electrons are easily identified by their deep blue colors, which turn almost coppery at higher concentrations. It is technically possible to produce them in all solvents that allow outer sphere electron transfer, but they are generally only produced in significant amounts in nitrogenous solvents, most commonly liquid ammonia. Sciencemadness user woelen has found an easy method of producing solvated electrons using ethylenediamine and lithium metal.

Properties

Solvated electrons are highly reactive reducing agents. They are able to convert oxygen into superoxide radicals. In the presence of nitrous oxide, hydroxyl radicals are formed. Sometime electride salts may be isolable.

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solvated_electron

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

woelen makes solvated electrons with lithium and ethylenediamine