Fourier Analysis of Liquid Methyl Alcohol

Abstract

X-ray diffraction curves for liquid methyl alcohol have been obtained at 25°C and —75°C with monochromatic Mo Kα radiation out to (sin θ)/λ = 1.2. At —75°C there is much greater detail in the diffraction curve than is observable at the higher temperature. Five diffraction rings are visible on the film. Fourier analyses of these intensity curves lead to radial atom distribution functions which are interpreted in terms of Zachariasen's picture of the molecular arrangement in liquid methyl alcohol. The results are distinctly favorable to Zachariasen's picture.