Evidence of two β’ phases in tristearin

Abstract

Abstract Data from Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and features of the preparative method are all consistent with the existence of 2 intermediate β’ phases for tristearin; the first, a lower melting phase, β’ 2 , transforms at 61 C into the second, β’ 1 , which in turn changes at 64 C into β‐tristearin. Raman spectral evidence indicates that the 2 mesophases occur in an orthorhombic packing environment and that the β’ 2 to β’ 1 transition results from a change in lateral packing of the hydrocarbon chains.