Thermodynamic behaviour of second generation biofuels: Vapour–liquid equilibria and excess enthalpies of the binary mixtures 2-pentanol and n-heptane or 2,2,4-trimethylpentane

•VLE and HE measurements are reported for the binary mixtures 2-pentanol and isooctane or heptane.•The experimental data were correlated using Redlich–Kister, Margules, Wilson, NRTL and UNIQUAC.•A positive deviation from the ideal behaviour with an azeotrope is observed for both systems.•An endothermic effect is observed when the 2-pentanol is mixed with the hydrocarbons.

Accurate experimental data of vapour–liquid equilibria (VLE) and excess enthalpies are reported for the binary systems (2-pentanol + 2,2,4-trimethylpentane) and (2-pentanol + n-heptane). 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. Both binary systems exhibit a positive deviation from the ideality with azeotropes, and an endothermic behaviour has been observed when the 2-pentanol is mixed with these hydrocarbons.