Abstract
THE phenomenon of molecular rotation in the solid state first recognised by L. Pauling1 is, in accord with his prediction, proving of wide occurrence. In many compounds the excitation of rotation about various axes is accompanied by gradual changes in such properties as heat capacity, specific volume, and crystal structure. It is probable, however, that certain polymorphic transitions, such as, for example, the one in hydrogen chloride at 93.36° K, are also accompanied by changes in the rotation of the molecules. The three gradual transitions in solid hydrogen bromide2 were interpreted by Pauling (loc. cit.) as accompanying stepwise excitation of rotation of an HBr molecule about three axes. On account of the low scattering power of hydrogen, it would be difficult to verify these interpretations by determinations of crystal structures. We have, however, found changes of the above types in ammonium nitrate.
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KRACEK, F., HENDRICKS, S. & POSNJAK, E. Group Rotation in Solid Ammonium and Calcium Nitrates. Nature 128, 410–411 (1931). https://doi.org/10.1038/128410b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/128410b0
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