Electronic dynamics and real-time observations of pre-reactive states in aqueous solutions

Abstract

With the intensive development of ultrafast spectroscopic techniques, reaction dynamics and transition states can be investigated at the subpicosecond time scale (0.05~ ps). Aqueous ionic solutions represent a paradigm for the characterization of elementary chemical steps at the microscopic level. The discrimination of very short-lived electronic states during electron transfers in molecular liquids provide guidance for further theoretical developments on non-reactive and reactive dynamics in complicated many body systems.