Dielectric Properties of Some Liquid Alkyl Halides

Dielectric dispersion and loss in the liquid alkyl halides at low temperatures can be represented by a skewed‐arc locus in the complex plane similar to that found for polyhydroxy compounds. Small deviations at very high frequencies, f≫f0, account for 5% or less of the dipolar dispersion. As with the alcohols and glycols the Arrhenius rate plot exhibits strong curvature. These departures from Debye first‐order rate theory and the concept of a temperature‐independent ``molecular'' activation energy are discussed in relation to structural effects which may be the dominating factor in the dielectric behavior of liquids at low temperatures. The need for a detailed analysis of the dynamics of the relaxation process is stressed.