Thermodynamics properties, VLE and HE, of the systems 2-pentanol and cyclohexane or methylbenzene for contributing to the knowledge of new biofuels

•VLE and HE experimental data are reported for the binary mixtures 2-pentanol + cyclohexane or methylbenzene.•Margules, Wilson, NTRL and UNIQUAC models were used for experimental VLE data reduction.•Positive deviation from the ideal behaviour was observed for both mixtures.•A maximum pressure azeotrope was obtained for the system 2-pentanol + methylbenzene.•Strong endothermic effect was determined for the mixtures which increases with temperature.

Accurate experimental data of vapour–liquid equilibria (VLE) and excess enthalpies (HE) are reported for the binary systems (2-pentanol + cyclohexane) and (2-pentanol + methylbenzene). An isothermal total pressure cell was used for measuring the VLE at T = 313.15 K. The data were correlated using Margules, Wilson, NRTL and UNIQUAC equations. The excess enthalpies were measured at two different temperatures T = (298.15 and 313.15) K using an isothermal flow calorimeter and were correlated by the Redlich–Kister equation. The binary system 2-pentanol + methylbenzene exhibits an azeotrope and both systems present a positive deviation from the ideality. Furthermore, an endothermic behaviour is observed when 2-pentanol is mixed with these hydrocarbons.