PREMELTING PHENOMENA IN LONG-CHAIN FATTY ACIDS

Abstract

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra and the infrared absorption between 700 and 750 cm −1 have been observed at temperatures near the melting points of the even-numbered fatty acids from C 18 to C 10 . The results are interpreted as indicating breakdown of crystalline character and onset of liquid-like motion at scattered points in the solid structure several degrees below the melting point, and increasing in extent as the melting point is approached.