Dissociation of acetic acid in 50 mass % ethylene carbonate-water from 20 to 55�C

Abstract

The dissociation constant of acetic acid in 50 mass % ethylene carbonate-water solvents has been determined at eight temperatures from 20 to 55°C by emf measurements of cells without liquid-junction containing hydrogen electrodes and silver-silver chloride electrodes. Acetic acid is weaker in the mixed solvent than in pure water. At 25°C, pK is 5.645 as compared with 4.756 in water, in spite of the fact that the dielectric constants of the two media do not differ materially. Standard changes in Gibbs energy, enthalpy, entropy, and heat capacity for the dissociation processes at 25°C were evaluated. The decrease in acidic strength when ethylene carbonate is added to the water medium appears to be largely the results of a destabilization of the two ionic species, especially a partial desolvation of the hydrogen ion.