Empirical melting point–structure relationships in the normal acetylenic carboxylic acids

Abstract

Attention is drawn to empirical relationships between melting point and location of the triple bond in normal acetylenic carboxylic acids. Known substances of this type comply closely with generalizations which should permit the prediction with some precision and confidence of m.p.s of others not yet prepared and characterized. These relationships (including the unusual insensitivity of m.p.s of the 5-through 12-C₁₈ acids to triple-bond location) are discussed in terms of the probable conformation and packing of such molecules in their crystal lattices.