Can ABA Arrangements Switch to ABC Arrangements in Crystals?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the potential for ABA arrangements to switch to ABC arrangements within crystal structures. It highlights that while both arrangements may possess similar energy levels, an energy barrier exists that prevents random switching between the two patterns. The conversation draws parallels to the inversion of phosphines and mentions that such switching phenomena are observed in materials like silicon carbide (SiC).

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  • Familiarity with silicon carbide (SiC) properties
  • Basic concepts of molecular inversion in phosphines and amines
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MotoPayton
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When looking at the ABA and ABC arangments I was wondering if an ABA arrangement can switch to a ABC arrangement in the same crystal.

What would keep the spheres from randomly switching between these two patterns.

From what I understand the 3rd layer always has two options..
 
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Whilst the two arrangements probably have similar energy (from what I remember), there is probably an energy barrier between the two, a bit like the inversion of phosphines (or amines, except this is much lower)
 
In many substances this swiching happens, e.g. SiC.
 

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