Molecular dynamics in perfluoro-n-eicosane. I. Solid phase behavior and crystal structures

Perfluoro-n-eicosane (n-C20F42) passes through three different solid modifications, called M(T<146 K), I(146 200 K). Structures of the phases M and R were characterized by x-ray scattering experiments. Crystals are built up by rectangular layers. In modification M layers are set up by arrays of right-handed and left-handed (15/7-) helices in alternate succession. The unit cell is monoclinic (a=9.65 Å, b=5.70 Å, c=28.3 Å, and β=97°; space group Pa). In modification R molecules are highly mobile. There is no ordering with regard to the helix handedness. Molecules resemble cylindrical objects and are packed in a hexagonal dense mode. Regular layer stacking results in crystals with rhombohedral symmetry (a=b=5.70 Å, c=85.00 Å, γ=120°; space group R3̄m).