NaCl and CaCl2 activity coefficients in mixed aqueous solutions

Abstract

In the investigation of numerous physiological phenomena it is the activity of an ion species which is desired, rather than stoichiometric concentration. The calculation of mean ionic activity from known concentration data requires accurate activity coefficients (ggr). This report concerns the determination of ggrNaCl and ggrCaCl2 in mixed NaCl-CaCl2 solutions by potentiometric measurement with a sodium-selective glass electrode-Ag/AgCl electrode system over the ionic strength range 0.05–0.5 m. Log ggrNaCl varied linearly, at constant total ionic strength, with the ionic strength of CaCl2 in the mixture, in accordance with Harned's rule. From data thus obtained, ggrCaCl2 coefficients in such mixed solutions have been calculated and compared with values calculated from published osmotic data. Resulting activity coefficient curves for ggrCaCl2 are presented over the concentration range encountered in serum and other extracellular fluids. Note: (With the Technical Assistance of Leonard Kaye and Leonard L. Anderson) glass electrodes; ion interaction; electrolyte metabolism; Harned's rule; membrane transport; osmotic coefficients Submitted on March 11, 1965