low density icosahedral (H2O)280 cluster, ES — Low density icosahedral (H₂O)₂₈₀ cluster

Water Cluster Conclusions

Overview of the structure of liquid water
Introduction to water clustering
The icosahedral water cluster, (H₂O)₂₈₀
Evidence for the icosahedral cluster model

Radii and occupancy of the shells of expanded clusters

Sphericalcoordinates of the icosahedral water clusters

Super-clusters of water molecules

'We live in the hope and faith that, by the advance of molecular physics, we shall by-and-by be able to see our way as clearly from the constituents of water to the properties of water, as we are now able to deduce the operations of a watch from the form of its parts and the manner in which they are put together.'

T H Huxley, On the Physical Basis of Life (1869)

The icosahedral water cluster is a highly symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing structure, but is it important? In this site, it is shown that there is a sufficient and broad evidential base for its existence, including the ability to explain all the 'anomalous' properties of water. The icosahedral cluster model offers a structure, not possible with other models such as a random network model [261], on which large molecules can be mapped in order to investigate their interaction with water within a three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded network. Also, it offers new insights into the ways biological and non-biological ions and macromolecules interact with each other in aqueous solution. It also provides explanations concerning some strange dilution effects, and the way some organisms produce low-density water to protect against desiccation [278], high temperatures [279], and pressures [280].