Experimental and theoretical exploration of intermolecular interactions in butyl acrylate + benzene, + toluene, + o-xylene, + m-xylene, + p-xylene, and + mesitylene binary mixtures at ambient temperatures: Ultrasonic and viscometric methods

The speeds of sound, u and viscosities, η of the binary mixtures of butyl acrylate with benzene, toluene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, and mesitylene across the full mole fraction range were measured at ambient temperatures and pressure, p = 100 kPa. The experimental data are correlated by means of Jouyban-Acree model to represents the composition and temperature dependence of these physical properties. Using the measured data, various parameters, viz., excess isentropic compressibilities, excess speeds of sound, excess molar isentropic compressibilities, and deviations in viscosity were evaluated. The partial molar isentropic compressibilities and excess partial molar isentropic compressibilities of the constituents over whole composition range; and at infinite dilution are calculated. The variation of these parameters has been interpreted in relation to the intermolecular interactions in these mixtures. The results specified the presence of weak interactions between unlike molecules, the interactions follow the order: benzene > toluene > p-xylene > m-xylene > o-xylene > mesitylene. The extent of interactions depends on the number and position of the methyl groups substituted to benzene ring in these aromatic hydrocarbons. The speeds of sound were theoretically calculated by means of various theories/relations and the viscosities of these mixtures were correlated by means of several empirical and semi-empirical models and the outcomes are compared with experimental data. The relative applicability of these theories/relations has been discussed. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.