Dielectric properties of alcohol electrolyte solutions

Dielectric properties of ethanol and 1-hexanol solutions containing LiCl, CaCl₂·2H₂O and Ca(NO₃)₂·4H₂O, respectively, have been determined. It is found that LiCl reduces the static permittivity in ethanol, but CaCl₂·2H₂O and Ca(NO₃)₂·4H₂O both give an initial increase in _s. All the electrolytes studied increase the mean relaxation time of the ethanol solutions. In 1-hexanol the static permittivity is rather invariant for all studied electrolytes at low concentrations, while the same lengthening of the mean relaxation time is observed. When water is added in addition to the hydration water of the electrotyte, the static permittivity in hexanol is almost unaltered while the relaxation time is drastically shortened. The experimental result is discussed in terms of a formation of ion pairs, solvation sheaths, and kinetic depolarization, a partial release of hydration water and a structuring influence on the alcohol structure by the hydrated cation.