The experimental phase diagram of the binary system implying the nonisomorp
hous consecutive n-alkanes heneicosane (C21H44) and docosane (C22H46) has b
een determined by combining X-ray diffraction and microcalorimetric methods
. The phase diagram is very complex. X-ray experiments performed on powder
samples at 288 K have shown the presence of five monophasic domains at "low
temperature": three orthorhombic (Oi, Odci, and Op), one monoclinic (Mdci)
, and one triclinic (Tp). With increasing temperature occur successively th
e rotator forms RV, RI, and RII. No less than ten solid-solid and two solid
-liquid biphasic domains are observed, as well as three peritectoid, one eu
tectoid, and one peritectic invariants. Moreover, cell parameters of mixed
samples corresponding to the forms Odci (space group Pnam), Mdci (Aa), and
Op (Pca2(1)) have been determined at 288 K.