ABSTRACT
This chapter describes several solvent scales related to cohesion parameters, together with some numerical values. It is concerned with attempts to describe solute-solvent interactions by means of a single parameter for the component. Parameters describing and correlating the solvent abilities of liquids have been based on a great variety of chemical and physical properties. Once a solvent scale has been established, it is necessary to determine the position on it of any required liquid. If the solvent scale has a theoretical basis, it may be possible to calculate values from the information available on other properties, but if it is an empirical or semiempirical scale, direct testing is required. The electrostatic factor takes both effects into account and provides a basis for the classification of solvents. More precise measurements on the deuterated methanol system were made by R. C. Nelson who discussed the choice of reference solvent.
