Rapid Reactions in Solution

The development of fast reaction techniques in the last three years has opened up new possibilities in reaction kinetics. There are no longer unmeasurably fast reactions. The present experimentally accessible time-range of between 1s and 1ps extends over 12 orders of magnitude. These are more orders of magnitude than those covered by conventional kinetic methods. There are a number of different types of apparatus in use for the measurement of fast reactions such as protolytic reactions, complex forming reactions, elementary steps of organic chemical reactions, enzymatically catalyzed biochemical reactions and photochemical reactions involving radicals, and other species of extreme reactivity. This book aims to provide easy access to the various techniques of measuring such rapid reactions for chemists and to help them in the choice of the most appropriate one for their work. The material in the book is based upon courses taught by the author and the examples quoted are also taken from this work. Useful problems are provided, and the appendices offer the appropriate level of mathematics required for an understanding of the book.
Some more complicated sections hve been marked with asterisks so that the reader may return to these at a later and more appropriate time.