The Dynamical Structure of Normal Alcohols in Their Liquids as Determined by the Viscosity and Self-Diffusion Measurements

The conformation of molecules of normal alcohols in their pure liquids is estimated through an analysis of their self-diffusion coefficients, viscosities, and molar volumes. The conformation of molecules of shorter chained alcohols (C1–C3) is approximately of sphere, while that for longer chains is of rodlike shape. In pure liquids of alcohols, rigid rod molecules whose free rotating motions along their rod axes seem to be restricted, are randomly orientated and entangled with one another. The self-diffusion of long-chain alcohols involves a longitudinal translation of rodlike molecules. Large apparent hydrodynamic radii suggest that the transport unit of normal alcohol is a dimer (on an average) of alcohol molecules.