Effect of intramolecular cyclization on the enthalpies of solvation of tetramethylurea in water and alkanols at 298.15 K

The enthalpies of solution of N,N′-dimethylethyleneurea (1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone) in water, methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, and t-butanol (2-methyl-2-propanol) were measured calorimetrically at 298.15 K. For comparison purposes, the previous data on enthalpic effects of 1,1,3,3-tetramethylurea dissolution (solvation) in the same solvents were analyzed. It has been concluded that the intramolecular cyclization of tetramethylurea, to form dimethylethyleneurea, results in strengthening of the solute solvation and this tendency is more pronounced in a non-aqueous (alcoholic) medium.