分子科学としての物性研究の一断面

─分子の運動と変形─

抄録

The molecular shape distinguishes molecular systems from simple atomic (metallic) and inorganic systems. This review describes its significant effects on the formed structure and macroscopic physical properties of molecular crystals, mainly based on the author's research history. In the studies, the unique character of entropy, the macroscopic quantity with clear microscopic meaning, plays an essential role in counting the number of states. The topics cover the phase transition involving internal conformational degrees of freedom, glass transitions in organic conductors, stability of real liquid crystals, and aggregation structures of layered and cubic liquid crystals. Introductory summaries are also included for thermodynamics, phase transition, glass transition, melting of molecular crystals, and diffraction.