Self-diffusion of Aliphatic Alcohols

Abstract

SELF-DIFFUSION coefficients for water and a number of alcohols have been measured at a series of temperatures, and experimental activation energies obtained. The hydrogen atom in the hydroxyl group of each alcohol was exchanged with deuterium, and the analyses performed by combustion to water followed by density determinations using a micro-float apparatus¹. Sintered-glass diaphragm diffusion cells, stirred magnetically², were used for the rate measurements. An internal agreement of the order of 0.3 per cent, with an overall accuracy in the diffusion coefficient D of about 0.5 per cent, was achieved. In the case of methyl alcohol, the diffusion coefficient was determined by an alternative procedure using carbon-14, and approximate agreement between the two methods was obtained.