Knowledge Bank

In the electron diffraction method, the radial distribution curve represents the probability distribution of the distances between pairs of atoms in a molecule. From a knowledge of the distribution for the distances which change with internal rotation, it may be possible to evaluate the potential barrier to rotation. Theoretical functions which facilitate this type of analysis have been $developed1,2$ and have been applied to experimental scattering data for $C2F6,C2Cl6$, and $Si2Cl6$. The interatomic distances and vibrational parameters for these molecules will be presented.