Electron Affinities, Methyl Affinities, and Ionization Energies of Condensed Ring Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Abstract

The electron affinities of condensed ring aromatic molecules are calculated from half‐wave‐reduction potentials and the absolute potential of the normal calomel electrode. The results correlate with molecular orbital theory and frequency of absorption and extrapolate to the work function of graphite. A parallel correlation is made for the ionization energies. A correlation is also shown to exist between the electron affinity and the methyl affinity defined by Szwarc. Finally the results are discussed in terms of the approximate self‐consistent field theory of Pople, from which it is possible to make an a priori estimate of the work function of graphite.