Rate constants for the reaction of hydrated electrons and hydroxyl radicals with acrylate monomers

The hydrated electron (e⁻_aq) and hydroxyl radical rate constants with 18 acrylate-, methacrylate-, crotonate-, fumarate- and maleate esters are discussed. The constants approach the diffusion-controlled limit. k(e⁻_aq) and k(OH) change in opposite direction; if k(e⁻_aq) is high then k(OH) is small. This tendency is connected with the nucleophilic character of e⁻_aq and the electrophilic character of OH, although the site of attack of e⁻_aq and OH is different: carbonyl versus vinyl group.