 Solvated electron

An excess electron stabilized by its surrounding solvent. It can be a highly reactive reducing species.

A solvated electron is an electron that is associated with a solvent, typically in a liquid phase. When a neutral atom or molecule gains an extra electron, it becomes negatively charged, forming an anion. The surrounding solvent molecules can stabilize this negative charge. In many solvents, particularly polar ones like water or ammonia, the negatively charged electron can be 'solvated' or surrounded by solvent molecules.