HYDROPHOBIC HYDRATION AND THE FORMATION OF A CLATHRATE HYDRATE

We report a direct comparison of the local structure of the hydrophobi c hydration of krypton in both the liquid and solid states by the exte nded x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy technique. The evolu tion of an ordered hydration shell of the nonpolar gas moiety is follo wed as the liquid to solid phase transition progresses. The formation of a clathrate cage structure from the more disordered liquid state hy dration shell is clearly demonstrated.