Readily Made Solvated Electrons

The existence of solvated electrons has been known for a long time. Key methods for their production (i.e., photoionization of reducing ions, water radiolysis, and the reaction between H[middle dot] and OH[superscript -]) are unsuitable for most school laboratories. We describe a simple experiment to produce liquid ammonia and solvated electrons using materials commonly available, without the dangers associated with the use of solid Na or K metal. (Contains 3 figures.)