On the structure of methyl alcohol at room temperature

Abstract

Methyl alcohol has been examined at room temperature by means of x-ray diffraction technique. The radial distribution curve straightforwardly shows O ⋅⋅⋅ O interactions at about 2.8 Å, which indicate that extensive hydrogen bonding is occurring in liquid methanol. The other prominent peaks of the radial curve fulfill the zig–zag chain model found in solid methanol. A direct analysis of the structure function leads to the conclusion that the average number of nearest oxygen neighbors per oxygen atom lies between 1.40 and 1.55. On the contrary, no unique conclusion, as far as the shape of the chain is concerned, can be obtained through the x-ray scattering data.

The Anisotropy of the Molecular Reorientational Motions in Liquid Methanol

“…The average intramolecular O -C distance in the liquid, roc, is needed for the evaluation of the correlation time r 2 from the measured relaxation time Ti. Values of r^ = 1.44 Ä are found in the liquid phase from neutron [12] and X-ray [13,14] diffraction. These values are slightly larger than the ones reported for the gas phase, 1.42-1.43 Ä [15][16][17][18].…”

Strings-to-Rings Transition and Antiparallel Dipole Alignment in Two-Dimensional Methanols

“…In this case, the only defect from a perfect zig-zag arrangement permits the chain to adopt a kink. In fact, infinitely long zig-zag chains of molecules have been reported to occur in the crystal structure of methanol in three dimensions [19][20][21][22] , as well as, in a monolayer film adsorbed on graphite 23 . In contrast to strings, rings are arranged by methanols pointing their methyl groups only outwards ( Fig.…”

The Molecular Conformations and Intermolecular Correlations in Positional Isomers 1- and 2- Propanols in Liquid State Through Neutron Diffraction

“…In solid and gaseous phases, alcohol structures are now well established. In liquid state however, the situation is still open in view of differences in the results of diffraction and other techniques (Svishchev & Kusalik, 1993;Jorgensen, 1986;Magini et al, 1982;Sarkar & Joarder, 1993Benson, 1996).…”