Polymorphism of N-alkanols: 1-heptadecanol, 1-octadecanol, 1-nonadecanol, and 1-eicosanol

Abstract

The polymorphism of 1-heptadecanol (C17H35OH), 1-octadecanol (C18H37OH), 1-nonadecanol (C19H39OH), and 1-eicosanol (C20H41OH) has been studied by X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Raman scattering, and infrared spectroscopy (IR). At room-temperature two monoclinic forms, βand γ, are observed. For the n-alkanols with an even number of carbons the stable form is γ, whereas β is the stable form for the n-alkanols with an odd number of carbons. On heating, these phases transform to a monoclinic, rotator form R'IV at a few degrees below the melting point. A metastable β form is obtained by quenching from the melt for 1-octadecanol and 1-eicosanol, which is isostructural with the β-phase of the odd alkanols. Cell parameters, temperatures, and enthalpies of the transitions are reported.