What factors determine volatility?

In summary, boiling point is not the sole factor in determining which component is more volatile in a binary mixture. Vapor pressure plays a significant role, with the component having a higher vapor pressure being more volatile. In the case of isopropanol and cyclohexane, although their boiling points are close, cyclohexane's lower boiling point makes it the more volatile species. The Clausius-Clapeyron relation can be used to model vapor pressure and understand the relationship between boiling point and volatility. It is also important to consider azeotropes, as they can reverse the volatilities of components in a mixture.
  • #1
JeweliaHeart
68
0
Is the boiling point of a pure component the only factor used to determine which component is more volatile in a binary mixture. Take, for example, the case of isopropanol and cyclohexane.

Isopropanol has a bp of 82.6 C, while cyclohexane's is 81.

The two are are very close in value; however cyclohexane's is lower so does that automatically make it more volatile?
 
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  • #2
Boiling point is more of a proxy for the substance's vapor pressure. The component with the higher vapor pressure is the more volatile species. Check out the different ways to model vapor pressure for more insight.
In regards to your example,

As a component's vapor pressure rises, its boiling point decreases. Because cyclohexane has the lower boiling point, it has the highest volatility.
 
  • #3
dp/dt = L/(t*deltaV)
change in specific pressure over change in temperature is equal to the latent heat of vaporization divided by the temperature times the change in volume associated with the phase change.
dp = change in specific pressure
dt = change in temperature
L = latent heat of vaporizaton = T*(S_g - S_L) = energy required to change a molecule from liquid to gas
t = temperature
deltaV = change in specific volume for one molecule from liquid to gas.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clausius–Clapeyron_relation
 
  • #4
Always check for azeotropes. Isopropanol and cyclohexane form an azeotrope at 67wt% cyclohexane with a boiling point of 68.6oC. The volatilities are reversed on either side of the azeotrope.
 

Related to What factors determine volatility?

1. What is volatility?

Volatility refers to the amount of fluctuation or variability in a certain quantity or measurement. In finance, volatility is often used to describe the degree of price change in a particular stock or market.

2. What causes volatility in financial markets?

There are several factors that can contribute to volatility in financial markets, including economic conditions, political events, company performance, and investor sentiment. These factors can create uncertainty and lead to changes in stock prices and market movements.

3. How is volatility measured?

Volatility is typically measured using statistical tools such as standard deviation or variance. These measurements help to quantify the degree of fluctuation in a particular data set or market. In finance, volatility is often measured using metrics such as beta or the VIX index.

4. What role does risk play in volatility?

Risk and volatility are closely related, as higher levels of risk can often lead to increased volatility. In general, the more uncertain or risky an investment is, the more volatile it is likely to be. However, it is important to note that not all volatility is necessarily a result of risk, as other factors can also contribute to fluctuations in markets.

5. Can volatility be predicted?

While it is not possible to predict volatility with complete accuracy, there are various methods and models that can be used to estimate and manage volatility. These include historical analysis, mathematical models, and risk management strategies. However, it is important to remember that volatility is inherently unpredictable and can be influenced by unexpected events.

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