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Rotation of Molecules In Crystals

Abstract

AN investigation on the relation between the crystal structure and optical properties of organic crystals has revealed further cases of ‘rotating’ and ‘fixed’ molecule forms in aliphatic compounds. A hexagonal rotating form has been observed between 16° and 24° C. in dodecyl alcohol C12H25OH. The distance between chains is 4.76 A., corresponding to the 4.85 A. found by A. Müller1 for paraffins. The low temperature form, however, differs by being monoclinic with inclined chains corresponding to the high temperature form of the monobasic acids. The transitions between these forms could be followed for single crystals in the polarising microscope.

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References

  1. NATURE, 129, 436, March 19, 1932.

  2. Ibid, 128, 410, 1931.

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BERNAL, J. Rotation of Molecules In Crystals. Nature 129, 870 (1932). https://doi.org/10.1038/129870a0

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