Dielectric Constant of Benzene at 25°C by the Wyman Method

Abstract
Apparatus and techniques are described for obtaining reliable absolute dielectric constants by the Wyman resonance cell method. Calcium hydride has been shown to be a drying agent for benzene far more satisfactory than sodium wire, reducing drying time from the six‐month period demonstrated in the literature to an interval approximating one day. At 25°C the values for benzene's dielectric constant were 2.2747±0.0003, but the higher limit is presently preferred. These results fall within the range of the best recent values obtained in other laboratories. The reasons for the discrepancies appear explicable in view of the findings of this investigation.