MeOH:H2O Freezing Point Depression Calculation Issue

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of freezing point depression for a methanol-water solution, specifically windshield washer fluid. The user attempted to use the formula mSolute = dT/Kf, resulting in a calculated concentration of 15.054 mol/kg, equating to 482.5g/L of methanol. However, the calculation is flawed due to the assumption that methanol is a nonvolatile solute, which is incorrect. The Kf constant for water is 1.86, and the molar mass of methanol is 32.05g/mol, but the volatility of methanol must be accounted for in accurate calculations.

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  • Understanding of freezing point depression and colligative properties
  • Familiarity with the Kf constant and its application in calculations
  • Knowledge of molar mass and density conversions
  • Basic principles of solution chemistry and solute volatility
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  • Explore the properties and applications of methanol in various solutions
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Chemistry students, chemical engineers, and anyone involved in formulation chemistry or the production of antifreeze solutions will benefit from this discussion.

Voltux
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I noticed that my windshield washer fluid has methanol in it to reduce the temperature of which it freezes. I know it freezes at approximately -28°C which gives us a concentration of MeOH at approximately ~30% by weight.

However, when I try to calculate the required methanol using the mSolute = dT/Kf I get 15.054 mol/kg which is 482.5g/L of MeOH. That turns out to be about 609mL/L if you convert that to volume with the density of 0.792g/mL.

Can someone explain where I went wrong in my calculations, or how to properly calculate this?

Data:
Kf Constant for Water: 1.86
MeOH Molar Mass: 32.05g/mol
MeOH Density: 0.792g/mL
Temperature Difference: 28°
 
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First of all, you are using an invalid model.

Freezing point depression with Kf assumes the solute to be nonvolatile, that's definitely not a case with the methanol.
 

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