Molecular clusters in aqueous solutions of pyridine and its methyl derivatives

Abstract

Small-angle neutron scattering proved that molecules in aqueous solutions of pyridine, 2-methylpyridine and 2,6-dimethylpyridine form clusters. The clusters are dynamic aggregates consisting of hydrogen-bonded water–amine complexes. Strengthening of the hydrogen bonds between water and amine molecules due to the methyl groups in the ortho position in the pyridine ring makes the structures more stable, as was evidenced by relatively long times of the structural relaxation. The strong intermolecular forces affect the thermal expansion of the systems. No aggregates similar to those in aqueous systems are present in the methanolic ones. That points to the crucial role of water in the molecular clustering. A molecule of methanol, although capable of hydrogen bonding with the amines, cannot participate in larger structures because of the lack of protons that could form the enhanced network. Thus, even if the amine–methanol complexes occur, they are incapable of further association. It was shown that the co-operative nature of hydrogen bonds and the propensity of water to association are the main factors that determine the properties of aqueous systems.