Precision Methods for the Determination of the Solubility of Gases in Liquids

Abstract Quantitative investigation of the solubility of gases in liquids has a long and well-established tradition in physical chemistry. Essentially, it started in the 1850s with the pioneering work of Bunsen “Ueber das Gesetz der Gasabsorption”1, and throughout the years many a distinguished scientist has contributed to this subject. One can only marvel about the careful experimental work of some of the early researchers. For example, Winkler's contributions2.3 of almost a century ago are still quite acceptable (±2%) in the majority of cases; the fine work of Szeparowicz on radon solubility in water 4 is still useful; and the impressive, yet relatively little known, work of Horiuti5 in the 1930s still stands as a major achievement. The years since about 1970 have been marked by renewed and intense activity in the field of solutions of nonelectrolytes in general, and of the solubility of gases in liquids in particular.