Influence of high pressure on the supramolecular structures in alcohols

This project investigates the effect of high pressure (hp) on the structural stability and architecture of nanometric supramolecular associates and molecular conformations in selected alcohols as model hydrogen-bonding (HB) systems. Recent dielectric studies indicated substantial variation in alcohols' dynamical properties under hp, waiting for a microscopic explanation. By pioneering in situ X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering experiment for bulk liquids at ESRF it will be possible to explicitly answer whether the hp induces structural reorganization within the HB supramolecular clusters. Additionally, it will be addressed whether the hp-induced changes are gradual or there is any pressure-threshold, after which the structure experiences significant changes. Moreover, whether conformational transformations accompany these changes. Understanding the nature of the pressure-induced structure in alcohols is of primary importance to explain the behavior of other HB systems under hp.