Microwave dielectric permittivity and relaxation for aqueous potassium trifluoroacetate solutions

The results of microwave dielectric measurements in aqueous potassium trifluoroacetate solutions at seven frequencies (ranging within 7.5–25 GHz) at 288, 298, and 308 K are presented. Static dielectric constants, dielectric relaxation times and activation parameters are calculated. The H-bond network in potassium trifluoroacetate solutions is shown to experience molecular-kinetic stabilization and an increase in connectivity and structuring, which are similar to those experienced by water in potassium acetate solutions. These changes are associated with the hydrophobic hydration of trifluoroacetate ion, which was first determined by microwave dielectric spectroscopy and arises from the effect of the low-polarity CF₃ group of trifluoroacetate ion.