Molecules with a High Electron Affinity

Experimental values of the electron affinity of inorganic compounds reported between 1975 and 1980 are systematically examined. The following methods of measuring electron affinity are briefly reviewed: photo-extraction and photo-electron spectroscopy, electron impact, ion–molecule reactions, ionisation by alkali metal atoms, ion–molecule equilibria, and methods based on measuring the frequency for intramolecular charge transfer in the absorption spectra of complexes and on calculations using a thermochemical cycle. Classes of compounds having an electron affinity greater than that of halogen atoms are identified by analysing published data. 166 references.