Solid state effects in the NEXAFS spectra of alkane-based van der Waals crystals: Breakdown of molecular model

The weak van der Waals interactions between alkane molecules, <1.5% the strength of covalent bonding on a per carbon atom basis, modify the carbon 1s near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectrum significantly in ordered solids, both in intensity, spectral shape, peak position, and dichroic signature.