Apparent molal volumes of alcohols in aqueous solutions at different temperatures

Abstract

Apparent molal volumes. (φ_v) of methyl. ethyl. <i>n</i>-propyl, isopropyl. <i>n</i>-butyl. isobutyl, <i>sec</i>-butyl and <i>lert</i>-butyl alcohols in aqueous solutions are reported at 2°, 4°, 6°, 8°, and 10°C for the first time. The trends of φ_v against molality <i>(m) </i> curves have been interpreted in terms of effect of dissolved solute (alcohol) on structure of water. It has been concluded that lower alcohols even at lower temperatures get dissolved in the natural cavities available in the water structure whereas higher alcohols have difficulty in finding suitable cavities in water structure and hence tend to indicate phase separation. The results have also been interpreted in terms of predominance of solute-solute interactions at lower temperatures.