Polarized Raman and Infrared Spectroscopy and ab Initio Calculation of Palmitic and Stearic Acids in the Bm and C Forms

New polymorphic phase of arachidic acid crystal: structure, intermolecular interactions, low-temperature stability and Raman spectroscopy combined with DFT calculations

Saturated monocarboxylic fatty acids with long carbon chains are organic compounds widely used in several applied fields, such as energy production, thermal energy storage, antibactericidal, antimicrobial, among others. In this research, a new polymorphic phase of arachidic acid (AA) crystal was synthesized and its structural and vibrational properties were studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) and polarized Raman scattering. The new structure of AA was solved at two different temperature conditions (100 and 300 K). XRD analysis indicated that this polymorph belongs to the monoclinic space group P21/c (C2h5), with four molecules per unit cell (Z = 4). All molecules in the crystal lattice adopt a gauche configuration, exhibiting a R22(8) hydrogen bond pattern. Consequently, this new polymorphic phase, labeled as B form, is a polytype belonging to the monoclinic symmetry, i.e., Bm form. Complementarily, Hirshfeld's surfaces were employed to analyze the intermolecular interactions within the crystal lattice of this polymorph at temperatures of 100 and 300 K. Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to assign all intramolecular vibration modes related to experimental Raman-active bands, which were properly calculated using a dimer model, considering a pair of AA molecules in the gauche configuration, according to the solved-crystal structure.

Elucidating the phase transitions of decanoic-acid crystal by XRD, Raman, group theory and Gibbs energy analyses combined with DFT calculations

This research reports a series of phase transitions in the decanoic-acid (DA) crystal under low-temperature conditions, which were elucidated by XRD, Raman scattering and DFT calculations in a dimer of DA in the C form (monoclinic structure). The first phase change was noticed within the 210-190 K interval duly characterized as a transition of second-order type, as indicated by Gibbs energy behavior, suggesting that the monoclinic structure (P2₁/c) of the crystal is not changed. The second change was observed nearly 110-90 K, whose transition is first-order type occurring from the C form to an A form (triclinic), possibly belonging to the P1 space group. This new polymorphic phase was duly predicted through DFT calculations. According to Gibbs energy behavior, the third phase change (∼30-10 K) is proposed to be a transition from the A form to a new polymorphic phase that probably is a first-order transition, likely associated with a change from the P1 space group to P-1. Furthermore, group theory and wavenumber vs temperature plots' analyses corroborated the phase transitions undergone by DA crystal. In addition, anharmonicity effects in several Raman bands' behavior were noticed during the cooling. A correct assignment for the Raman and IR modes via DFT calculations at room-temperature conditions is also provided herein.

Multi-timescale infrared quantum cascade laser ellipsometry

We recently introduced a novel, to the best of our knowledge, infrared laser ellipsometer for sub-decisecond spectroscopy [Opt. Lett.44, 4387 (2019)10.1364/OL.44.004387] and 0.03 mm² spot-sized hyperspectral imaging [Opt. Lett.44, 4893 (2019)10.1364/OL.44.004893]. Here we report on the next device generation for thin-film sensitive simultaneous single-shot amplitude and phase measurements. The multi-timescale ellipsometer achieves 10 µs time resolution and long-term stability over hours at high spectral resolution (0.2 cm^-1). We investigate the temporal stages (from minutes to milliseconds) of fatty acid thin-film formation upon solvent evaporation from acetone-diluted microliter droplets. Optical thickness variations, structure modifications, and molecular interactions are probed during the liquid-to-solid phase transition. Multi-timescale ellipsometry could greatly impact fields like in situ biosensing, microfluidics, and polymer analytics, but also operando applications in membrane research, catalysis, and studies of interface processes and surface reactions.

Fatty Acids and Their Metal Salts: A Review of Their Infrared Spectra in Light of Their Presence in Cultural Heritage

In a cultural heritage context, fatty acids are usually found as breakdown products of lipid-containing organic remains in archaeological findings, binders in aged oil paintings, and additives in modern art-related materials. They may further interact with the ionic environment transforming into metal soaps, a process that has been recognized as a threat in aged paintings but has received less attention in archaeological objects. The investigation of the above related categories of materials with infrared spectroscopy can provide an overall picture of the organic components' identity and demonstrate their condition and prehistory. The capability of investigating and distinguishing fatty acids and their metal soaps through their rich infrared features, such as the acidic carbonyl, the carboxylate shifts, the variable splits of alkyl chain stretching, bending, twisting, wagging, and rocking vibrations, as well as the hydroxyl peak envelopes and acid dimer bands, allows for their direct detailed characterization. This paper reviews the infrared spectra of selected saturated fatty monoacids and diacids, and their corresponding sodium, calcium, and zinc salts and, supported by newly recorded data, highlights the significance of their spectroscopic features.

Sub-second infrared broadband-laser single-shot phase-amplitude polarimetry of thin films

We report on the first, to the best of our knowledge, sub-second, sub-mm² infrared (IR) spectroscopic measurements of thin organic films employing a laser-based phase-amplitude polarimeter in reflection geometry. The polarimeter uses a broadband mid-IR quantum cascade laser tunable between 1318  cm^-1 and 1765  cm^-1, as well as a single-shot beam division scheme for simultaneous single-pulse phase and amplitude measurements. The instrument achieves 120 μm spatial and <0.5  cm^-1 spectral resolution, while providing unrivaled performance in terms of acquisition times. Spectral measurements within 100 ms and single-wavelength tracking at 16 μs are now possible. Investigating the vibrational properties accessible in the mid-IR, the polarimeter was applied for monitoring changes in molecular interactions of a 150 nm thin myristic acid film during its thermal phase transition around 55°C.

New structural phases of [bis(L-alaninato) diaqua] nickel(II) dihydrate crystal

The study of [bis(L‑alaninato) diaqua] nickel(II) dihydrate crystal using Raman scattering and X-ray diffraction as a function of temperature is reported in this paper. Thermal analysis (TGA and DSC) complementary measurements were also performed in order to obtain information on structural changes and mass loss occurred in this material. It was identified that the crystal undergoes loss of water at two different temperatures: ~340 and 393 K. X-ray diffraction measurements showed two phase transformations related to these two water loss events. After heating up to 423 K, the sample was cooled down to 298 K and its diffraction pattern presented the same pattern at 423 K, evidencing an irreversible phase transformation. The diffraction results also showed that crystal goes to monohydrate and anhydrous phases. Furthermore, cell lattice parameters and space groups of both phases were determined by applying Rietveld refinement through Le Bail method, demonstrating that their structures belong to the P2₁ and C2/c space groups, both with monoclinic symmetry. In addition, assignments of Raman spectra vibrational bands (at 300 K) are provided. The high-temperature Raman spectra were obtained in the 100-3500 cm^-1 range, where it was observed several abrupt changes in the intensity of low-wavenumber bands and the appearance/disappearance of some vibrational modes that have coupling with OH⋯O hydrogen bonds. These spectral changes are in good agreement with X-ray diffraction and thermal analyses data. Finally, we obtained Raman measurements at low temperatures, from which we identified that the crystal structure is extremely stable throughout the temperature range of 293-10 K.

Phase transformation in the C form of myristic-acid crystals and DFT calculations

In this study, the vibrational frequencies of myristic acid (CH₃(CH₂)₁₂COOH) were obtained using density functional theory calculations, and the results were compared with experimental Raman and infrared data. Additionally, Raman spectra of crystalline myristic acid were recorded in the 300-20 K range. Raman spectroscopy gives important insights into the effect of low temperatures on its monoclinic phase. X-ray diffraction was performed from 298 to 133 K to provide additional information about the cryogenic behavior of the crystals. These undergo a phase transformation, which was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry through an enthalpy anomaly observed at low temperatures. Raman spectra and X-ray diffraction refinement of the cell parameters in combination with differential scanning calorimetry at low temperatures revealed slight modifications, confirming a conformational change in the myristic acid molecules involving rearrangement of dimers within the unit cell.

Understanding the effect of solvent polarity on the polymorphism of octadecanoic acid through spectroscopic techniques and DFT calculations

In this work, the polymorphism of octadecanoic acid (C₁₈H₃₆O₂, stearic acid) was studied as a function of organic solvent polarity.