Enthalpies of solution of n-alcohols in formamide and ethylene glycol

The enthalpies of solution of 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol and 1-heptanol and water were determined in formamide and in ethylene glycol, at 25‡C, by macrosolution calorimetry. The observed enthalpies of solution for the n-alcohols are positive in the two solvents, and of similar magnitude. The enthalpy of solution of water is positive in formamide, and negative in ethylene glycol. From the enthalpies of solution, the enthalpies of solvation and the enthalpies of transfer for organic solvent↿ water were calculated. Using our values and literature data for alkanols, it was possible to see that both the enthalpies of solution and the enthalpies of solvation presented a constant CH₂ increment for the entire series, in contrast with their behavior in water. The methylene increments for these properties in different solvents are compared with parameters considered to reflect the cohesive energy of the solvent.