A method to determine the Gibbs energy of specific interactions in solutions. Hydrogen bonding of proton donating solutes in basic solvents

One of two fundamental types of solute–solvent intermolecular interactions are the specific interactions, such as hydrogen bonding complexation between solute and solvent. The Gibbs energy of specific interactions is an important quantity that determines rate and equilibrium constants in solutions, but it is difficult to obtain by direct measurement. We proposed equations allowing to determine the contribution of specific interactions to the Gibbs energy of solvation in nonelectrolyte solutions. Applying it for the case of proton donating solutes with one acidic hydrogen atom dissolved in basic solvents, we obtained the values of the Gibbs energies of 1:1 complexation in pure base. These values have been compared with the Gibbs energies of 1:1 complexation in tetrachloromethane. Most of the hydrogen bonds are found to have the same energy in pure base and in CCl4, however, some weakly bound complexes seem to become even more weakened in pure base medium. Suggested method is applicable in a general situation when multiple associates of different stoichiometry and structure are formed.