The specific heat capacity at constant volume for liquid isopropanol?

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A physics student is seeking specific thermodynamic properties of liquid isopropanol, including specific heat capacities at constant volume and pressure, as well as the volumetric isobaric expansion coefficient. Initial research yielded limited results, with specific heat capacity at constant pressure found to range from 149 to 180 J/mol*K. The student was advised to consult university librarians for assistance, as they may have access to specialized databases not available online. After visiting the library, the student successfully accessed additional resources but still struggled to find the specific heat capacity at constant volume. A contributor mentioned using a proprietary database for fluid properties that provided some relevant data for isopropanol but noted that REFPROP by NIST does not include isopropanol. The discussion highlights the importance of utilizing library resources and specialized databases for obtaining specific scientific data.
poul
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Hey

I am a physics student, and not so familiar with chemistry. I have a huge problem, because I have to find the following 3 values for liquid isopropanol:

1. The specific heat capacity at constant volume
2. The specific heat capacity at constant pressure
3. Volumetric Isobaric Expansion Coefficient

You should think it would be easy enough, but now I have used hours on the web whitout luck. I can only find the specific heat capacity at constant pressure here: http://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=C67630&Mask=7#Thermo-Condensed

which gives results from 149 to 180 J/mol*K. Is there really so much uncertainty in obtaining these values? And how to find the rest of the values?

I really need help here
 
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Have you tried to ask librarians for help?
 
Borek said:
Have you tried to ask librarians for help?

You mean, going to the university library? Can you just do that, I mean they are not experts on chemistry?
 
Try them. If there is a chemistry dept at your university, for sure some of the librarians are trained to help the chemistry staff, and they will probably know of databases you have never heard of. Even if there is no chemistry dept, chances are they will be able to guide you in the right direction.
 
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Okay, I will try to find out. I have never been at the chemistry department. So there is no easy way to find these values?

I can see that some other guys, for different liquids, have used http://www.hbcpnetbase.com/. Unfortunately it is password protected...
 
poul said:
Unfortunately it is password protected...

Which is another reason to try the library - your school may have access to databases behind the paywall.

Actually - it has them for sure, that's what libraries are for. Question is whether they will have access to the database with the data you need. But you won't know till you ask.
 
poul said:
You mean, going to the university library? Can you just do that, I mean they are not experts on chemistry?

The great thing about librarians is they've been trained to find the books and other materials which will lead you to the information you seek.
 
OKay. I went to the libraby, and the gave the password and link to some website. Now I have found everything ecept the heat capacity at constant volume... do somebody know where to find this constant?
 
Glad to hear you got some use out of the library! I wonder sometimes if those institutions will one day cease to exist. :(

We use a computerized database for fluid properties. For isopropanol it gives 0.4606 Btu/lbm-F at 70F and 14.7 psia. If you'd like other values for other pressures & temperatures, let me know.
 
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Q_Goest said:
Glad to hear you got some use out of the library! I wonder sometimes if those institutions will one day cease to exist. :(

We use a computerized database for fluid properties. For isopropanol it gives 0.4606 Btu/lbm-F at 70F and 14.7 psia. If you'd like other values for other pressures & temperatures, let me know.

Thanks alot. I really appreciate yout help. Do you have the name of the computerized database?
 
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I'm afraid it's a database that the company I work for created. It's very similar to REFPROP by NIST. Unfortunately, REFPROP doesn't have isopropanol. The list of fluids REFPROP has properties for is given in Appendix A of their user's guide. I don't know what else would work for you unfortunately.
 
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