PREMELTING PHENOMENA IN LONG-CHAIN FATTY ACIDS

Abstract
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra and the infrared absorption between 700 and 750 cm−1 have been observed at temperatures near the melting points of the even-numbered fatty acids from C18 to C10. The results are interpreted as indicating breakdown of crystalline character and onset of liquid-like motion at scattered points in the solid structure several degrees below the melting point, and increasing in extent as the melting point is approached.