Quantum chemical computations using both density functional theory (B3LYP functional) and wavefunction (MP2 and CCSD(T)) methods, with the 6-311++G(3df,2p) and aug-cc-pVnZ (n = D,T,Q) basis sets, in conjunction with a polarizable continuum model (PCM) method for treating structures in solution, were carried out to look again at a series of small negatively charged water species [(H 2 O) n ] •-. For each size n of [(H 2 O) n ] •in aqueous solution with n = 2, 3, and 4, two distinct structural motifs can be identified: a classical water radical anion formed by hydrogen bonds and a molecular pincer in which the excess electron is directly interacting with H atoms. In aqueous solution, both motifs have comparable energy content and likely coexist and compete for the ground state. Some water anion isomers can dissociate when interaction with a water molecule,through successive hydrogen transfers with moderate energy barriers. This reaction can also be regarded as a water-splitting process in which the H transfers involved take place mainly within a water trimer, whereas other water molecules tend to stabilize transition structures through microsolvation rather than direct participation. Calculated absolute rate constants for the reversed reaction H • (H 2 O) 2 + OH -(H 2 O) 2 → [(H 2 O) 4 ] • - + H 2 O with both H and D isotopes agree well with the experimentally evaluated counterpart and lend a kinetic support for the involvement of a tetramer unit.
K E Y W O R D Sdissociation of water anions, hydrated electrons, reactions of water anions, water anions, water split by water anions 610