The Structure of Neat Mesomorphic Phase

Optical microscopy, low-angle X-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy have been used to study the lamellar mesomorphic phase (neat phase) given by the sodium 2-ethyl hept-6-enyl sulphate + water system. Good agreement for the interlayer spacing has been obtained from X-ray diffraction measurements and the electron microscopy techniques of surface replication and thin sectioning. Comparable surface replicas have been obtained from anhydrous neat phase and from the quench-frozen mesomorphic phase containing 20% water.