Phase Equilibria and Thermodynamics of p-Hydroxybenzoic Acid

The prevalence of phases and associated solubilities of p-hydroxybenzoic acid have been investigated in methanol, acetonitrile, acetic acid, acetone, water, and ethyl acetate at temperatures from 10 to 50°C. Thermodynamic data was acquired through determination of van't Hoff enthalpy of solution, enthalpy of fusion, and melting temperature. Indications of polymorphic enantiotropy were found primarily through solubility analysis and FTIR-ATR. A comprehensive thermodynamic investigation disclosed correlation between the van't Hoff enthalpy of solution and the solubility in different solvents. A higher solubility is linked to a lower van't Hoff enthalpy of solution. A thermodynamic analysis to discriminate between different solid phases is presented.