The Liquid ``Structure'' of Methyl Alcohol

Abstract

Fourier integral analyses of the x-ray diffraction patterns of liquid nonyl and methyl alcohol are made. From these the radial distribution of atoms around any one atom is obtained. On the basis of the radial distribution curves, conclusions are drawn concerning the molecular configuration in the liquid. For nonyl alcohol this analysis confirms the results of Warren. In the case of methyl alcohol the analysis gives strong indication of hydrogen binding (dipole binding) between oxygen atoms of neighboring molecules. The short ``life'' of a given intermolecular bond in the liquid is emphasized. It is pointed out that the application of the ordinary Bragg equation to the peaks in the diffraction pattern of a liquid has no justification.