Structure of the Water Molecule in Solid Hydrated Compounds

Abstract

The proton-proton separations in hydrated water in 10 compounds have been measured by the Pake method using proton magnetic resonance. The mean value is 1.595±0.003 A with a range in values from 1.56 to 1.61 A. However, consideration of experimental error in individual values of the p-p separation indicates that this range does not prove that this separation varies between compounds. Thus it appears that intermolecular forces on the protons in the water molecule are not appreciable compared to intramolecular forces. The orientations of the water molecules have been determined for eleven compounds. In every instance the orientation appears to be determined by formation of hydrogen bonds between the water oxygen and the nearest pair of electronegative atoms.