The dissociation constant (pK
a) of
(S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid ((S)-HPBA) was determined at 298.2 K by potentiometric titration. (S)-HPBA exhibits a pK
a value
of 3.81. The solubility of (S)-HPBA in toluene from
(288.2 to 343.2) K, in water from (283.2 to 333.2) K, and in ethyl
acetate from (278.2 to 313.2) K was measured by the steady-state method.
The solubility in all selected solvents increases with the increase
of temperature. The solubility of (S)-HPBA in ethyl
acetate is much greater than that in water or toluene. Water was found
to be a fine alternative to toluene for crystallizing (S)-HPBA and ethyl acetate to be a suitable extraction solvent of (S)-HPBA in the pharmaceutical industry. The experimental
solubility data were correlated with the modified Apelblat, Redlich–Kister,
Wilson, and universal quasichemical activity coefficient (UNIQUAC)
equations, respectively. The Wilson, Redlich–Kister, and modified
Apelblat equations show better agreement with the experimental solubility
data of (S)-HPBA in toluene, water, and ethyl acetate,
respectively. The solubility of (S)-HPBA in aqueous
solutions over the pH range from 1.48 to 5.45 at 298.2 K was also
determined by the steady-state method, and the corresponding solubility
data were separately fitted well with a semi-Henderson–Hasselbalch
equation (pH ≤ 4.0) and a linear equation (pH > 4.0).