Raman study of aqueous tetraalkylammonium chloride solutions at low temperatures

A Raman spectroscopic study was carried out on aqueous solutions of R4NCl ( R = methyl, ethyl and n-propyl) at low temperatures and in the glassy state . The changes in the Raman OD stretching spectra with temperature, R4NCl an d concentration are discussed in connection with hydrophobic hydration. It is shown that a clathrate-like structure around alkyl groups develops with decreasing temperature. The formation of strong hydrogen bonds in aqueous R 4NCl solution at low temperatures is closely connected with clathrate-like structure formation, Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.