The interpretation of quasi-kinematical single-crystal electron diffraction intensity data from paraffins

Single-crystal hk0 electron diffraction patterns from thin ( ≤ 240 Å) rhomboid n-hexatriacontane (n-C₃₆H₇₄) crystals contain intensity data which are well fit by the commonly observed O_⊥ methylene subcell phasing model but not by a true unit cell model which contains two mutually displaced monolayers. The apparent diffraction from a monolayer in these lamellar crystals is thought to be due to bend distortions of the crystal plate. Intensity data conform to a kinematical interpretation as a first approximation, thus allowing a priori structural elucidation, but eventually will require an n-beam dynamical correction.