On the use of semiempirical models of (solid + supercritical fluid) systems to determine solid sublimation properties

Experimental solubility data of solid–supercritical fluids have significantly increased in the last few years, and semiempirical models are emerging as one of the best choices to fit this type of data. This work establishes a methodology to calculate sublimation pressures using this type of equations. It requires the use of Bartle’s equation to model equilibria data solid–supercritical fluids with the aim of determining the vaporization enthalpy of the compound. Using this method, low deviations were obtained by calculating sublimation pressures and sublimation enthalpies. The values of the sublimation pressures were subsequently used to successfully model different multiphasic equilibria, as solid–supercritical fluids and solid–solvent–supercritical fluids with the Peng–Robinson equation of state (without considering the sublimation pressure as an adjustable parameter). On the other hand, the sublimation pressures were also used to calculate solid sublimation properties and acetaminophen solvation properties in some solvents. Also, solubility data solid–supercritical fluids from 62 pharmaceuticals were fitted with different semiempirical equations (Chrastil, Kumar-Johnston and Bartle models) in order to present the values of solvation enthalpies in sc-CO2 and vaporization enthalpies for these compounds. All of these results highlight that semiempirical models can be used for any other purpose as well as modeling (solid + supercritical fluids) equilibria.

Research highlights
► We propose a method to determine sublimation properties of solids.
► Low deviations were produced calculating sublimation enthalpies and pressures.
► It is a required step to determine the vaporization enthalpy of the solid.
► It is possible to determine solid properties using semiempirical models solid-SCF.