An improved characteristic molecular volume parameter for linear solvation energy relationships of acyclic alkanes

Abstract

Boiling point numbers (YBP) of acyclic alkanes serve as the basis for an improved characteristic molecular volume parameter (VY) for use in linear solvation energy relationships. These VY values correlate much better than do Abraham-McGowan V values with a wide range of physical properties of acyclic alkanes, including vapor pressure, log L 16 values, HPLC and GC retention indices, and aqueous solubilities. The VY parameter may be determined easily from literature boiling point data. Alternatively, it may be calculated from boiling points predicted by a wide variety of group contribution, connectivity, or computational methods when the experimental boiling point is unavailable. Thus, the results reported here enable fundamental physical properties of acyclic alkanes to be predicted directly from molecular structure. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.