The conformation of hydrocarbon chains in disordered layer systems

A Monte Carlo computer model of a monolayer of n-hexadecane molecules has been built at a surface density corresponding to 0.27 nm2 per molecule. Properties calculated from the model are in good agreement with available data on bilayer systems at a comparable surface density. The average conformation of the alkyl chains is examined in some detail and compared with recently proposed models of the chain conformation in the ‘‘fluid’’ phase of lipid bilayers.