Phase diagram of a solution undergoing inverse melting

Abstract

The phase diagram of $\alpha$-cyclodextrin/water/4-methylpyridine solutions, a system undergoing inverse melting, has been studied by differential scanning calorimetry, rheological methods, and X-rays diffraction. Two different fluid phases separated by a solid region have been observed in the high $\alpha$-cyclodextrin concentration range ($c$$\geq$150 mg/ml). Decreasing $c$, the temperature interval where the solid phase exists decreases and eventually disappears, and a first order phase transition is observed between the two different fluid phases.