Estimation of interfacial tension of binary aqueous-organic systems based on linear solvation energy relationship

Interfacial tensions with water (σow) for organic liquids are well correlated by linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) of the form: σow = 34.4 + 11.9 Vx + 15.7 R − 19.1 π * − 60.0 Sigma;β − 22.3 Σα where Vx is the characteristic molecular volume, R2, the molar excess polarization, π*, the dipolarity/polarizability, Σβ, the hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) basicity and Σα, the hydrogen bond donor acidity of the liquid. Accuracy of of predicted values for σow by the LSER model is comparable to the empirical models based on mutual solubilities of the liquids and water. However, the LSER model can provide an information on the nature and relative strength of solute-organic liquid molecule interactions affecting the property of interest, which can hardly be obtained from the empirical models based on mutual solubility data.