ASTM E1719-24

Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure of Liquids by Ebulliometry

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Vapor pressure is a fundamental thermodynamic property of a liquid. Vapor pressure and boiling temperature data are required for safety data sheets (SDS), the estimation of volatile organic compounds (VOC), and other needs related to product safety. Vapor pressures are important for prediction of the transport of a chemical in the environment; see Test Method E1194.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes procedures for determination of the vapor pressure of liquids by ebulliometry (boiling point measurements). It applies to pure liquids and azeotropes with an atmospheric boiling point between 285 K and 575 K, which can be condensed completely and returned to the ebulliometer boiler, that is, all materials must be condensable at total reflux. Liquid mixtures may be studied if they do not contain non-condensable components. Liquid mixtures that contain trace amounts of volatile but completely condensable components may also be studied, but they will produce vapor pressure data of greater uncertainty. Boiling point temperatures are measured at applied pressures of 1.0 kPa to 100 kPa (7.5 torr to 760 torr).  
1.2 SI units are the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 8.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 29-Feb-2024
• Technical Committee: E37 - Thermal Measurements
• Drafting Committee: E37.01 - Calorimetry and Mass Loss

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E1719-12(2018) - Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure of Liquids by Ebulliometry (Withdrawn 2023)
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Referred By: ASTM E2071-21 - Standard Practice for Calculating Heat of Vaporization or Sublimation from Vapor Pressure Data
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024

Overview

ASTM E1719-24: Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure of Liquids by Ebulliometry establishes a reliable procedure for measuring the vapor pressure of liquids. Vapor pressure, a fundamental thermodynamic property, is essential for understanding chemical volatility, environmental risk, product transport, and safety documentation, including Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and estimation of volatile organic compounds (VOC). This standard is widely recognized for its accuracy and its compliance with international standardization principles.

ASTM E1719-24 applies to pure liquids, azeotropes, and applicable liquid mixtures with atmospheric boiling points between 285 K and 575 K. The method relies on ebulliometry-boiling point measurements under controlled pressure conditions-providing vapor pressure data at pressures from 1.0 kPa to 100 kPa. This standard supports regulatory compliance, enhances chemical safety assessments, and informs environmental modeling.

Key Topics

• Vapor Pressure Determination: Detailed procedures for measuring the vapor pressure of pure and mixed condensable liquids by ebulliometry.
• Applicable Range: Suitable for liquids with boiling points between 285 K and 575 K, measured at pressures from 1.0 kPa to 100 kPa (7.5 torr to 760 torr).
• Equipment Requirements: Guidance on the use of vapor-lift-pump, stirred-flask, or equivalent ebulliometers, pressure regulating systems, and accurate temperature and pressure measurement apparatus.
• Precision and Reproducibility: Information on interlaboratory studies, repeatability, and reproducibility to ensure reliability of test results.
• Safety and Environmental Considerations: Emphasis on establishing proper safety, health, and environmental practices, with responsibility on the user to assess hazards and regulatory restrictions.
• Calibration and Verification: Procedures for periodic equipment verification using reference materials such as water or n-heptane.
• Data Analysis: Fitting pressure-temperature data to the Antoine equation for precise vapor pressure reporting.

Applications

The ASTM E1719-24 standard is highly relevant in numerous applications across the chemical, environmental, and regulatory sectors:

• Chemical Safety and Compliance: Provides essential vapor pressure data for SDS documentation and helps in estimating VOC content in industrial chemicals and consumer products.
• Product Stewardship: Supports environmental exposure assessments by supplying data for predicting the transport and fate of chemicals.
• Research and Development: Used in laboratories for precise thermophysical property measurements during new chemical development.
• Quality Assurance: Ensures integrity and traceability of physical property data in manufacturing and quality control environments.
• Regulatory Submissions: Facilitates compliance with national and international regulations governing chemical safety and environmental impact.

Related Standards

For comprehensive testing and compatibility with ASTM E1719-24, the following standards are often referenced or used in conjunction:

• ASTM E1194 – Test Method for Vapor Pressure
• ASTM D2879 – Test Method for Vapor Pressure-Temperature Relationship and Initial Decomposition Temperature of Liquids by Isoteniscope
• ASTM E1 – Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
• ASTM E177 – Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• ASTM E691 – Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• ASTM E1142 – Terminology Relating to Thermophysical Properties
• ASTM E1970 – Practice for Statistical Treatment of Thermoanalytical Data

These standards help ensure robust experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation for thermal property measurement and vapor pressure determination.

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Keywords: ASTM E1719, vapor pressure, ebulliometry, boiling point measurement, Antoine equation, chemical safety, environmental assessment, VOC estimation, laboratory standards, thermophysical properties.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E1719 − 24
Standard Test Method for
Vapor Pressure of Liquids by Ebulliometry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1719; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D2879 Test Method for Vapor Pressure-Temperature Rela-
tionship and Initial Decomposition Temperature of Liq-
1.1 This test method describes procedures for determination
uids by Isoteniscope
of the vapor pressure of liquids by ebulliometry (boiling point
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
measurements). It applies to pure liquids and azeotropes with
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
an atmospheric boiling point between 285 K and 575 K, which
ASTM Test Methods
can be condensed completely and returned to the ebulliometer
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
boiler, that is, all materials must be condensable at total reflux.
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
Liquid mixtures may be studied if they do not contain
E1142 Terminology Relating to Thermophysical Properties
non-condensable components. Liquid mixtures that contain
E1194 Test Method for Vapor Pressure
trace amounts of volatile but completely condensable compo-
E1970 Practice for Statistical Treatment of Thermoanalytical
nents may also be studied, but they will produce vapor pressure
Data
data of greater uncertainty. Boiling point temperatures are
measured at applied pressures of 1.0 kPa to 100 kPa (7.5 torr to
3. Terminology
760 torr).
3.1 Definitions:
1.2 SI units are the standard. No other units of measurement
3.1.1 The following terms apply to this test method and can
are included in this standard.
be found in Terminology E1142; boiling temperature and
vapor pressure.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1.2 For definitions of other terms used in this test method,
refer to Terminology E1142.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 ebulliometer—a one-stage, total-reflux boiler designed
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
For specific hazard statements, see Section 8. to minimize superheating of the boiling liquid.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2.2 manostat—a device for maintaining constant vacuum
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
or pressure.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.2.3 superheating—act of heating a liquid above the equi-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
librium boiling temperature for a particular applied pressure.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.3 Symbols:
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
A, B, C = Antoine vapor pressure equation constants (log ,
2. Referenced Documents
kPa, K) for the Antoine vapor pressure equation:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
log P = A − B /(T + C),
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
P = vapor pressure, kPa, and
T = absolute temperature, K.
4. Summary of Test Method
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E37 on Thermal
Measurements and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E37.01 on Calo-
4.1 A specimen is charged to the ebulliometer boiler. The
rimetry and Mass Loss.
ebulliometer is connected to a manostat, and coolant is
Current edition approved March 1, 2024. Published March 2024. Originally
circulated through the ebulliometer condenser. The manostat is
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as E1719 – 12 (2018)
set at a low pressure, and the specimen is heated to the boiling
which was withdrawn in April 2023 and reinstated in March 2024. DOI: 10.1520/
E1719-24.
temperature. The boiling temperature and manostat pressure
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
are recorded upon reaching a steady-state, and the manostat
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
pressure is raised to a higher value. A suitable number (usually
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. five or more) of boiling temperature points are recorded at
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1719 − 24
successively higher controlled pressures. The pressure-
temperature data are fitted to the Antoine vapor pressure
equation. Vapor pressure values required for specific reports
are computed from the derived equation.
4.2 The capability of the entire apparatus (ebulliometer,
thermometer, manostat, etc.) is checked periodically by the
procedure described in Annex A1. This procedure consists of
measuring the boiling temperature data for a pure reference
substance such as water and comparing the derived vapor
pressure data to the known reference values.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Vapor pressure is a fundamental thermodynamic prop-
erty of a liquid. Vapor pressure and boiling temperature data
are required for safety data sheets (SDS), the estimation of
volatile organic compounds (VOC), and other needs related to
product safety. Vapor pressures are important for prediction of
the transport of a chemical in the environment; see Test
Method E1194.
6. Interferences
6.1 This test method is limited to thermally stable materials
over the measurement temperature range. Boiling temperatures
that drift monotonically (not cyclically) up or down and
specimen discoloration and smoking are indications of thermal
instability due to decomposition or polymerization. See Test
Method D2879 (9.3 and Note 8 therein). Vapor pressure data
may be measured below the initial decomposition or polymer-
ization temperature; see 9.7 and 10.2.
6.2 The test method is limited to materials that boil
smoothly under the operation conditions of the ebulliometer.
Materials that “bump” continually, boil erratically, or eject
material through the condenser are unsuitable for study by this
test method.
FIG. 1 Vapor-Lift-Pump Ebulliometer
7. Apparatus
7.1 Ebulliometer —A vapor-lift-pump, stirred-flask, or
equivalent type of ebulliometer.
for the condenser, septum port, and stopcock, the entire
7.1.1 For Example, a Vapor-Lift-Pump Ebulliometer —Fig.
ebulliometer is insulated with a suitable case or wrapping. A
1 shows the dimensions for an example twin-arm ebulliometer,
window should be left to observe the smoothness of boiling
a one-stage, total-reflux boiler equipped with a vapor-lift pump
and the return rate (drop rate) of condensed vapor into the
to spray slugs of equilibrated liquid and vapor on a thermom-
125 mL boiler return reservoir.
eter well. The boiler (e), constructed from concentric pieces of
7.1.1.1 For example, a Swietoslawski-type ebulliometer
200 mm glass tubing (5 mm and 10 mm outside diameter), has
may be used instead.
powdered glass fused to the heated surface to promote smooth
7.1.2 For example, a Stirred-Flask Ebulliometer, Fig. 2
boiling. The boiler is wrapped with an electrical heater. Twin
shows an example of a stirred-flask ebulliometer, which is a
vapor-lift pumps (d-constructed of 270 mm lengths of 5 mm
one-stage, total-reflux boiler equipped with a magnetic stirrer
outside diameter glass tubing) spray liquid and vapor slugs on
to circulate the boiling liquid past a thermometer well which is
a 100 mm thermometer well (c) wrapped with a glass spiral to
immersed in the liquid. The boiler is a 250 mL, round-
promote thermal equilibration. The vapor-lift pumps dissipate
bottomed, single-neck boiling flask modified with a 7 mm
the effects of superheating. The ebulliometer is connected to
inside diameter thermometer well positioned diagonally toward
the manostat through a 200 mm reflux condenser (b); see 7.3.
the bottom of the flask. The bottom half of the boiler has
The side view in Fig. 1 shows a septum port and stopcock (f
powdered glass fused to the inner surface to promote smooth
and i) where materials may be charged to the apparatus. Except
An ebulliometer can be assembled from readily available lab glassware.
4 5
Olson, J. D., Journal of Chemical Engineering Data, Vol 26, 1981, pp. 58–64. Malanowski, S., “Experimental Methods for Vapour-Liquid Equilibria. Part 1.
Circulation Methods,” Fluid Phase Equilibria, Vol 8, No. 2, 1982, pp. 197–219.
E1719 − 24
7.4 Coolant Circulating System—Cooling water below
300 K, circulated through the condenser for tests on materials
that freeze below 273 K and boil above 325 K at the lowest
applied pressure. For other test materials, a circulating thermo-
stat shall be used to supply coolant to the condenser at a
temperature at least 2 K above the freezing point and at least
30 K below the boiling point at the lowest applied pressure.
NOTE 3—The suitability of the circulating coolant temperature shall be
demonstrated by the absence of freezing of the specimen in the condenser
and the absence of specimen in the cold traps after the test.
7.5 Cold Trap, capable of freezing or condensing the test
material, connected in series to the condenser. Ice plus water,
dry ice plus solvent, or liquid nitrogen may be used as the cold
trap coolant, depending on the characteristics of the test
material.
7.6 Temperature Measuring Device—Liquid-in-glass ther-
mometers readable to 0.1 K (after calibration and immersion
corrections), or any other thermometric device of equal or
better accuracy. See Specification E1.
7.7 Thermometer Well Fluid—A low-volatility, thermally
inert fluid such as silicone oil or glycerin, charged to the
FIG. 2 Stirred-Flask Ebulliometer
thermometer well of the ebulliometer. The amount of fluid
added should be such that the fluid level in the thermometer
well is not above the flask boundary when the ebulliometer is
boiling. The thermometer well is positioned to have a length
at the measurement temperature.
of at least 20 mm below the surface of the liquid when 125 mL
7.8 Pressure Regulating System—A manostat, capable of
of liquid is charged to the flask. The thermometer well must be
maintaining the system’s pressure constant within 60.07 kPa
positioned to allow a magnetic stirring bar to rotate freely in
(60.5 torr). Connect the pressure regulating system to the exit
the bottom of the flask. The magnetic stirrer dissipates the
of the cold trap. A T-connection from the pressure regulating
effects of superheating. The flask is connected to the manostat
system near the exit of the cold trap should be used to connect
through a reflux condenser; see 7.3. An electrical heating
the manometer. A ballast volume may be used to dampen
mantle covers the lower half of the flask; see 7.2. The upper
pressure fluctuations.
half of the flask is insulated with a suitable wrapping.
7.9 Pressure Measuring System—A manometer, capable of
NOTE 1—Ebulliometers that use thermometer wells immersed directly
measuring absolute pressure readable to 60.07 kPa
in the boiling liquid are more susceptible to data errors due to superheat-
ing. Vapor-lift-pump ebulliometers are preferred except if “bumping” (60.5 torr).
occurs, as discussed in 6.2 and 9.5.
7.9.1 A comparative ebulliometer may be used to measure
7.1.3 Other Ebulliometers—Other ebulliometers, for
pressure. The comparative ebulliometer is connected to the
example, those that require smaller specimen charges, may be same pressure-controlled atmosphere as the test ebulliometer
used if the operation and capability of the ebulliometer are and contains a reference fluid (for example, distilled water).
demonstrated by the procedure described in Annex A1. The observed boiling temperature in the comparative ebulli-
ometer is used to compute the applied pressure from the known
7.2 Heater or Heating Mantle—An electrical heater or
vapor pressure-temperature relationship of the reference fluid.
heating mantle equipped with a suitable controller of power
input. Indirect heating by circulating a thermostatted hot fluid
7.10 Software, to perform multiple linear regression analy-
through a jacketed boiler may be used.
sis on three variables (see Practice E1970).
7.3 Condenser, which shall be of the fluid-cooled, reflux,
8. Safety Precautions
glass-tube type, having a condenser jacket of at least 200 mm
in length. A smaller condenser may be used, particularly for
8.1 There shall be adequate provisions for the retention and
smaller volume systems, provided that no condensed specimen
disposal of spilled mercury if mercury-containing
is found in the cold trap.
thermometers, pressure measurement, or controlling devices
are used.
NOTE 2—Suitable condenser designs include Allihn, Graham, Liebig,
and equivalent condensers.
8.2 Vapor pressure reference materials (Annex A1) and
many test materials and cold trap fluids will burn. Adequate
precautions shall be taken to eliminate ignition sources and
The stirred-flask ebulliometer shown in Fig. 2 (with the inner boiling surface
provide ventilation to remove flammable vapors that are
coated with powdered glass) is available from Lab Glass, Inc., P.O. Box 5067, Fort
Henry Drive, Kingsport, TN 37663. generated during operation of the ebulliometer.
E1719 − 24
8.3 Adequate precautions shall be taken to protect the plateau” is reached at which the observed temperature is
operator in case debris is scattered by an implosion of glass independent of the heater power.
apparatus under vacuum. 9.6.2 At steady-state, the boiling temperature should be
independent of the heater power (applied voltage) over a
modest range (approximately 5 V for an ebulliometer with a
9. Procedure
variable transformer).
9.1 Start with clean, dry apparatus. Verify the operation and
9.7 Discontinue the test if the specimen begins to decom-
capability of the apparatus as described in Annex A1 for a new
pose or polymerize. Decomposition may be indicated by a
ebulliometer setup or an ebulliometer setup that has not been
decreasing boiling point temperature, smoking or extreme
used recently.
discoloration of the specimen, or failure to reach a steady-state.
9.2 Charge a specimen of appropriate volume to the ebulli-
Polymerization of the specimen usually causes the temperature
ometer boiler. Charge 75 mL 6 1 mL for the vapor-lift
to continue to increase instead of reaching a steady-state.
ebulliometer (Fig. 1). Close all stopcocks on the vapor-lift
9.8 Check the cold trap for condensed volatiles from the
ebulliometer. Charge 125 mL 6 1 mL for the stirred-flask
specimen upon completion of the test. Discard the results from
ebulliometer (Fig. 2). Add a magnetic stirring bar to the
the test if condensate is found in the cold trap.
stirred-flask ebulliometer. Connect the stirred-flask ebulliom-
eter to the reflux condenser.
NOTE 6—If the test material is a pure chemical (99.9 % by weight) or
an azeotropic mixture, a small amount (approximately 2 mL) of cold trap
9.3 Connect the ebulliometer reflux condenser to the cold
condensate is allowable.
trap. Connect the cold trap exit to a
...