Probable scenario of the liquid-liquid phase transition of SnI

Fuchizaki, Kazuhiro*; Hamaya, Nozomu*; Hase, Takaki*; Katayama, Yoshinori

We have shown from in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements that there are two thermodynamically stable liquid forms of SnI, depending on the pressure. Based on the liquid-liquid critical point scenario, our recent measurements suggest that the second critical point, if it exists, may be located in a region close to the point at which the melting curve of the crystalline phase abruptly breaks. This region is, unlike that of water, experimentally accessible with relative ease.