Structure of a new crystalline complex: poly(ethylene oxide) with p-nitrophenol. 1

Abstract

X-ray data of the crystalline complex indicate a triclinic unit cell (a = 1.172 nm; b= 0.555 nm; c= 1.557 nm; α= 90.7°; β= 87.1°; γ= 104.0°). The unit cell contains six poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) monomeric units and four p-nitrophenol molecules. The phase diagram exhibits the characteristics of a complex eutectic-peritectic system. FTIR data lead to the conclusion that the chains depart significantly from the 7/2 helical conformation observed for pure PEO. It is suggested that the four p-nitrophenol molecules have their benzene rings perpendicular to the chain axis.