A hybrid neutron diffraction and computer simulation study on the solvation of N-methylformamide in dimethylsulfoxide

J Chem Phys. 2013 Jan 28;138(4):044502. doi: 10.1063/1.4773346.

Abstract

The solvation of N-methylformamide (NMF) by dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) in a 20% NMF/DMSO liquid mixture is investigated using a combination of neutron diffraction augmented with isotopic substitution and Monte Carlo simulations. The aim is to investigate the solute-solvent interactions and the structure of the solution. The results point to the formation of a hydrogen bond (H-bond) between the H bonded to the N of the amine group of NMF and the O of DMSO particularly strong when compared with other H-bonded liquids. Moreover, a second cooperative H-bond is identified with the S atom of DMSO. As a consequence of these H-bonds, molecules of NMF and DMSO are rather rigidly connected, establishing very stable dimmers in the mixture and very well organized first and second solvation shells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Dimethyl Sulfoxide / chemistry*
  • Formamides / chemistry*
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation*
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Neutron Diffraction
  • Solubility

Substances

  • Formamides
  • methylformamide
  • Dimethyl Sulfoxide