Dielectric Properties of Aqueous and Alcoholic Electrolytic Solutions

Abstract

Results of dielectric constant and loss measurements on a range of aqueous and alcoholic electrolytes at wavelengths of 1.25, 3.2, 9.9, 17, and 51.5 cm from 3°C to 25°C are analyzed in terms of dielectric constant depression, relaxation time depression and spread, and conductivity elevation. The small relaxation time spread (α∼0.02) is interpreted as being due to hydrogen bond bending, the relaxation time depression as bond breaking, and the dielectric constant depression as restriction of dipole rotation by the ions. The conductivity elevation is believed to be an effect of the same type as that observed by Little and Smith. It is shown that the alcohol dielectric constant depression is too large to be interpreted in terms of dipole restriction by solvation so that the ion must have a marked effect on the alcohol structure.