Dielectric properties of propylene carbonate and propylene carbonate solutions

Permittivity data at frequencies from 0.9 to 12 GHz for propylene carbonate and for the solutions of NaI, NaClO₄, Bu₄NI, Bu₄NClO₄, ZnBr₂, and Ca(ClO₄)₂ in propylene carbonate at 25°C are reported and discussed. The contaminating influence of water on the dielectric spectra is shown. Measurements were executed by the method of travelling waves with equipment known to produce data of high precision. Evaluation of the data is performed on the basis of models presupposing one or more relaxation regions. The dielectric spectra of all salts with the exception of ZnBr₂ yield relaxation time distributions with a single critical relaxation time or can be analyzed by assuming two critical relaxation times for the solvent. ZnBr₂ solutions show a supplementary relaxation region at low frequencies which is attributed to the solute. The variation of permittivities at zero frequency with the salt concentration is discussed in the framework of kinetic depolarization. Solvation numbers are estimated.