A comparison of methods for determining dipole moments in solution

Abstract

The equation (1) - (6) serving to determine dipole moments in solution were statistically tested on selected experimental data. Two kinds of data sets were used, referring to compounds with zero and non-zero dipole moments, respectively. Essentially the same results were obtained with the methods of Guggenheim-Smith, Eq. (3), of Halverstadt-Kumler, Eq. (1), and with the complete Debye equation (2). The differences between them are less important than the error introduced by estimating the atomic polarization to 5-15% of the molecular refraction and/or by calculating the latter from increments. More sophisticated equations (4) and (5) based on the Onsager theory do not yield better results than the Debye theory, this means that the agreement with the gas phase values is not improved.