Neutron scattering study of the H-bond network in amorphous N-methylformamide

摘要

Original investigations of structural properties in noncrystalline solid N-methylformamide (HCONHCH3) are presented in this paper. After description of the sample preparation, the elastic neutron scattering formalism is applied to deduce the coherent scattering cross section for amorphous N-methylformamide. The contribution of each possible monomer (cis or trans) is computed and the corresponding distinct structure factor is deduced. Our measurements clearly show that the hydrogen-bond network occurs in amorphous N-methylformamide between C=O and N-H groups. The experimental spectra are consistent with an open-chain structure similar to the one existing in the crystalline form. The more probable clusters that have been identified in the liquid are also examined. (C) 2005 American Institute of Physics.