Liquid-vapor equilibrium of dilute aqueous solutions of ethanol and 2-propanol

An automated vapor pressure apparatus has been used to obtain highly precise values of the total pressure and composition of aqueous solutions of ethanol and of 2-propanol in the water-rich region at 25 and 35°C. From these results, values of the partial pressures and fugacities of the components and osmotic coefficients have been inferred. Interaction virial coefficients derived from the present results are compared with interaction parameters previously reported for alcohol molecules in dilute aqueous solution. A discussion is given of the relative importance of hydrophobic effects and hydrogen-bonding in producing the unusual thermodynamic properties of aqueous alcohol solutions.