Excess free energies and entropies of aqueous solutions of methyl-D-pyranosides at 25°C

The excess Gibbs free energies of four α-methyl-D-aldopyranosides in water were determined at 25°C from isopiestic measurements. The excess entropies were obtained by subtracting the free energy values from the enthalpy data. The results show a remarkable enthalpy-entropy compensation. The positive sign of the excess free energies is interpreted as due to the favorable solute-solvent interactions that prevent the favorable solute-solute interaction. The signs and magnitudes of the pair interaction coefficients are attributed to the release of water from the hydration cospheres during the concentration process. The excess properties seem to depend, however, on the stereochemistry of the solutes. This effect is discussed and attributed to the different specific stabilities of the hydration shells. © 1984 Plenum Publishing Corporation.