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Measurement and control of water content of organic solvents

Journal Article · · Anal. Chem.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ac00298a065· OSTI ID:5497032

An isotopic dilution procedure is described for the quantitative determination of the solubility of water in organic solvents as a function of the relative humidity at which the sample is equilibrated. /sup 3/H/sub 2/O is used as a tracer, and the relative humidity conditions are realized by incubation of the organic solvent above a saturated salt solution having a known water activity. The technique is applicable independent of the concentration range of water present, the minimum amount of moisture being only limited by the concentration of the tritium label used. Solubility isotherms of water in hydrocarbon solvents such as n-hexane are sigmoidal in shape, reflecting cooperative effects in the solubilization of water molecules at the higher relative humidity portion of the curve. Solubility increases with increasing temperature.

Research Organization:
Catholic Univ. of Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
OSTI ID:
5497032
Journal Information:
Anal. Chem.; (United States), Journal Name: Anal. Chem.; (United States) Vol. 58:7; ISSN ANCHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English