Neutron diffraction studies of liquid phosphorus

Abstract

Neutron diffraction measurements of liquid phosphorus at 50°C have been made using both steady-rate (reactor) and pulsed (linac) neutron facilities. The high Q-value measurements have been used to characterize the molecular form factor and to study various inelasticity corrections. The low Q-value results are used to derive an intermolecular pair distribution function which shows strong orientational correlation effects and has significant oscillations extending up to 20 Å. The packing of the molecular units is different from that exhibited by the tetrachloride liquids and more closely resembles the structural arrangement observed in amorphous yellow arsenic.