Clay-organic studies. X. Complexes of primary amines with montmorillonite and vermiculite

Abstract

Basal spacing data for neutral amine complexes with montmorillonite and vermiculite are explained on the basis of two layers of fully extended amine molecules inclined at about 65° to (001) with the NH₂ groups closely associated with pairs of silicate oxygen atoms. The molecular orientation is shown to be favourable for good intermolecular packing and for possible NH..O bonding, but the results do not constitute proof of such bonding. Packing of the molecules on the silicate surfaces and with respect to each other may explain the formation of double layer complexes. The amine data are correlated with corresponding data for the low-temperature (or below melting point) series of alcohol-montmorillonite complexes and it is suggested that the molecular layers may have some solid-like characteristics.