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Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals I03:24

Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals I

The mathematical expression known as the wave function, ψ, contains information about each orbital and the wavelike properties of electrons in an isolated atom. When atoms are bound together in a molecule, the wave functions combine to produce new mathematical descriptions that have different shapes. This process of combining the wave functions for atomic orbitals is called hybridization and is mathematically accomplished by the linear combination of atomic orbitals. The new orbitals that...
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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Methane Hydrate Crystallization on Sessile Water Droplets
08:46

Methane Hydrate Crystallization on Sessile Water Droplets

Published on: May 26, 2021

The distorted close-packed crystal structure of methane A.

H E Maynard-Casely1, C L Bull, M Guthrie

  • 1SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, Centre for Science at Extreme Conditions, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JZ, United Kingdom. h.e.maynard-casely@ed.ac.uk

The Journal of Chemical Physics
|August 17, 2010
PubMed
Summary

We determined the crystal structure of high-pressure methane A. This research is vital for understanding methane under extreme conditions and its role in outer solar system mineralogy.

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Published on: February 15, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Solid-state chemistry
  • Crystallography
  • Planetary science

Background:

  • Methane (CH4) exhibits various solid phases under pressure.
  • Understanding high-pressure methane structures is crucial for planetary interior models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the complete crystal structure of the high-pressure methane A phase.
  • To provide insights into methane's behavior under extreme conditions.

Main Methods:

  • X-ray single-crystal diffraction for carbon atom positions.
  • Neutron powder diffraction on deuterated methane for deuterium atom locations.
  • Refinement of hydrogen atom positions using X-ray data.

Main Results:

  • The high-pressure methane A phase has a rhombohedral unit cell containing 21 molecules.
  • The determined structure shows significant distortion from the cubic close-packed structure of methane I.
  • Structural similarities between methane A and carbon tetrahalides were identified.

Conclusions:

  • The detailed crystal structure of methane A has been elucidated.
  • This structural knowledge is essential for accurate modeling of methane at high pressures.
  • The findings contribute to understanding the mineralogy of the outer solar system.