| Abstract: | The thermodynamic functions of the proton transfer H2tn2++tn → 2 Htn+ (tn = 1,3-diaminopropane) have been determined in aqueous solutions containing different amounts of KCl (0.05 ? μ ? 3.01). The free energy (?ΔG) of the process decreases, whereas the enthalpy (-ΔH) increases with μ. There is reason to believe that the reaction is entirely controlled by the Coulomb forces between the two protonic charges. The electrostatic energy involved can be described in terms of a model incorporating an effective dielectric constant εe, such that δεe/δμ and δ2εe/δμδT are both positive. The polarisation of pure water is produced by orientation of hydrogen-bonded dipole molecules H2O, whereas the electrolyte solution is polarised in addition by dislocation of the ions K+ and Cl?. Our results demonstrate that the former type of polarisation is much more temperature dependent than the latter. |
