Short-range order in liquid N-methylformamide HCONHCH3, as studied by x-ray scattering and density functional theory calculations

Abstract

The local order in liquid N-methylformamide has been studied by using x-ray diffraction and a density functional theory (DFT). Experimental data were analyzed to yield the total structure function SM(q) and the intermolecular pair correlation function gL(r). DFT calculations, using, namely, the standard TZV basis set, were performed to study the relative stability of the two possible isomers (cis and trans) and to examine some possible intermolecular arrangements in the liquid state. X-ray measurements can be interpreted in term of cyclic trimers of cis form molecules where each monomer can establish two N–H⋯O hydrogen bonds that are described.