Abstract
Optical absorption bands of solvated electrons in seven different polar liquids under a range of different conditions are analysed to demonstrate a relative constancy of the spectral profile, termed spectral shape stability, in each of the liquids. As a consequence, average spectral profiles characteristic of each liquid are defined and shown to be appreciably different for chemically different liquids, thus serving to distinguish these liquids and their solvated electrons from each other. Spectral shape stability and deviations from it for pure liquids and the characterization of chemically different liquids and their solvated electrons by average spectral profiles are discussed briefly.