A Raman spectroscopic study of the conformations of 1,4-dioxane in the pure liquid, methanol, and aqueous solution

- Solvent effects on conformational equilibria of 1,4-dioxane were investigated.
- The conformational thermodynamics of 1,4-dioxane in solution was determined.
- Contentious issue of conformational equilibria in liquid 1,4-dioxane was clarified.
- Hydration beyond first hydration shell plays a key role in aqueous solution.
- 1,4-Dioxane is a good model to help understand the solvation of polyethers.