Thermodynamics of Solution of Some Alkyl Acetates in Water

Summary.  The temperature dependence of the solubility of methyl acetate (MeOAc), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), 1-propyl acetate (1-PrOAc), 1-butyl acetate (1-BuOAc), 2-methyl-1-propyl acetate (iso-BuOAc), 2-butyl acetate (sec-BuOAc), and 2-methyl-2-propyl acetate (tert-BuOAc) in water in the temperature range from 298.2 to 318.2 K was determined. The experimental solubility data together with some literature values are presented as a function of temperature and given in analytical form. The solubilities of the investigated compounds at 298.2 K were correlated with the number of carbon atoms in the solute molecule. The standard thermodynamic functions for solubility, i.e. Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, heat capacity, and entropy, were calculated. The Gibbs free energy is positive and increases linearly with the number of carbon atoms, whereas the enthalpy and entropy are negative. The standard thermodynamic functions were converted to thermodynamic quantities for hydration. The Gibbs free energies of hydration of alkyl acetates, which are negative, are compared with the Gibbs free energy of hydration of some n-alkanes, 1-alcohols, and 1-alkylamines. The standard thermodynamic functions of hydration were analyzed using a modified version of the theoretical approach developed by Lee and Graziano [1]. Received October 16, 2000. Accepted May 14, 2001