Differential Thermal Analysis and Dielectric Studies on Neopentanol under Pressure

Differential thermal analysis (DTA) and dielectric measurements have been performed on 2,2-dimethyl-l-propanol (neopentanol) up to 200 MPa. Neopentanol exhibits at least one orientationally disordered (ODIC) phase (solid I) that transforms at lower temperatures to a non-plastic phase (solid II). There is evidence of a further O D I C phase denoted as solid I'. The pressure dependence of the phase transitions and the dielectric behaviour up to frequencies of 13 MHz are described. Activation enthalpies and volumes are derived from the dielectric relaxation time and compared with results for other alcohols.