Mutual diffusion coefficients of L-glutamic acid and monosodium L-glutamate in aqueous solutions at T = 298.15 K

Abstract

Mutual diffusion coefficient values for binary aqueous solutions of both L-glutamic acid (H2Glu) and sodium L-glutamate (NaHGlu) were measured with the Taylor dispersion technique, at T=298.15K, and concentrations ranging from (0.001 to 0.100)mol·dm−3. The results were discussed on the basis of the Onsager–Fuoss and the Nernst theoretical equations, by considering the H2Glu as a weak acid (monoprotic acid, with K2=5.62·10−5). The smaller values found for the acid with respect to those of the salt, confirm this association hypothesis. From the diffusion coefficient values at infinitesimal concentration, limiting ionic conductivities as well as the hydrodynamic radius of the hydrogen glutamate ion (HGlu−) were derived and analyzed in terms of the chain methylene groups. The effect of different phenomena, such as association or complexation, were also taken into consideration and discussed. Values for the dissociation degree for H2Glu were also estimated.