Complete thermodynamic analysis of the ionization of ortho-methoxybenzoic acid. Influence of the medium on the ortho effects

The ionization and solution enthalpies of o-methoxybenzoic acid have been measured in H₂O-DMSO mixtures. In the same solutions, the ΔG⁰ values for the ionization process have been determined by potentiometric measurements. A study of the ortho effects by means of a linear combination of the ordinary polar, proximity polar, and steric effects was also performed. The CH₃O group seems to undergo a partial steric inhibition of resonance. Finally, the proton transfer process from the ortho derivative to benzoic acid, compared with the same process in the gaseous phase, is presented.