The measurement of small incremental Kerr effects shown by certain oximes as solutes in benzene

Abstract

The construction and testing is described of photometric apparatus for the comparison of electric birefringences caused in fluid dielectrics by sinusoidally varying applied voltages. The sensitivity displayed is of the order required for measurement of the small incremental Kerr constants shown by very dilute solutions. Acetoxime, cyclohexanone oxime, and the α- and β-isomers of benzaldoxime have therefore been examined as solutes in benzene at concentrations low enough for monomeric forms to predominate in the dissolved species. No marked differences between the α- and β-benzaldoximes have emerged. Certain conformational indications relevant to the C=NOH group are noted at the end of the paper.