ROTATOR PHASES AND SURFACE CRYSTALLIZATION IN ALPHA-EICOSENE

The rotator phases and surface crystallization of alpha-eicosene were studied using surface and bulk X-ray scattering techniques as well as surface tensiometry. The alpha-olefin differs from the,I-alkane in a w eak breaking of the molecular inversion symmetry. Behavior qualitative ly the same as, but quantitatively different from, the corresponding n -alkane was observed. The temperature range of stability of the bulk r otator and surface crystal phases was enhanced. The broken inversion s ymmetry of the molecule did not manifest itself in the nature of these phases.