On the Physical Meaning of the Isothermal Titration Calorimetry Measurements in Calorimeters with Full Cells

• Main Authors: Jean-Pierre E. Grolier, Jose Manuel del Río
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2009-12-01
• Series: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
• Subjects: isothermal titration calorimetry; ITC; calorimetry; thermodynamics; infinite dilution; binding; partial properties; enthalpy; heat
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/10/12/5296/

We have performed a detailed study of the thermodynamics of the titration Process in an isothermal titration calorimeter with full cells. We show that the relationship between the enthalpy and the heat measured is better described in terms of the equation ΔH = Winj + Q (where Winj is the work necessary to carry out the titration) than in terms of ΔH = Q. Moreover, we show that the heat of interaction between two components is related to the partial enthalpy of interaction at infinite dilution of the titrant component, as well as to its partial volume of interaction at infinite dilution.