Experiments with clusters played a crucial role in elucidating the structure and spectroscopic properties of the solvated electron. We review shortly the results for ammonia and methanol and concentrate on a series of new results for water which include two classes of isomers for sodium-water clusters and water cluster anions, as well as for the binding energy of the liquid. In addition, we report on the existence of the hydrated hydronium H3O as manifestation of the solvated electron in hydrogen halide water cluster reactions. Finally we will discuss the useful role of sodium doped clusters for a very effective size selection with application in the infrared spectroscopy of water clusters.
Max-Planck-Institut für Dynamik und Selbstorganisation, Göttingen, Germany