Activity Coefficient Calculator

Calculate activity coefficients (γ₁, γ₂) for binary non-electrolyte liquid mixtures using Margules 1-parameter (2-suffix), Margules 2-parameter (3-suffix), or van Laar models (VLE).

Use the Activity Coefficient Calculator

Inputs

Calculates activity coefficients for binary non-electrolyte liquid mixtures (VLE). Not for aqueous electrolyte ionic strength (Debye–Hückel).

x₂ = 1 − x₁ is computed automatically.

Enter values and click Calculate.

Common Binary Mixture Constants

Values are for the van Laar / 2-parameter Margules model at approximately 25 °C unless noted. Component 1 is listed first.

Component 1 Component 2 A₁₂ A₂₁ Model
Ethanol Water 1.6798 0.9227 Van Laar
Acetone Chloroform −0.8206 −1.3376 Van Laar
Ethanol Benzene 1.7500 1.7500 Margules (sym.)
Acetone Water 0.5990 0.7480 Van Laar
n-Hexane Ethanol 2.0800 1.9200 Van Laar
Benzene Toluene 0.4200 0.4200 Margules (sym.)
Methanol Water 1.5240 1.6348 Van Laar

Click any row to load its constants into the calculator. A₁₂ = A₂₁ for symmetric systems (use Margules 1-parameter with A = A₁₂).

Summary

Calculate activity coefficients (γ₁, γ₂) for binary non-electrolyte liquid mixtures using Margules 1-parameter (2-suffix), Margules 2-parameter (3-suffix), or van Laar models (VLE).

How it works

  1. Select a model: Margules 1-parameter (2-suffix symmetric), Margules 2-parameter (3-suffix asymmetric), or van Laar.
  2. Enter mole fraction x₁ (0 to 1). x₂ is computed automatically as 1 − x₁.
  3. Enter the required model constant(s): A for 1-parameter, or A₁₂ and A₂₁ for 2-parameter / van Laar.
  4. Click Calculate to get γ₁, γ₂, activities a₁ and a₂, and excess Gibbs energy gᴱ/RT.
  5. Compare your result against the reference table of common binary mixture constants.

Use cases

  • Verify non-ideality of ethanol-water or acetone-chloroform mixtures in VLE calculations.
  • Determine activity coefficients for distillation column design.
  • Estimate excess Gibbs energy for thermodynamic modeling of solution behavior.
  • Check whether a mixture exhibits positive (γ > 1) or negative (γ < 1) deviation from Raoult's law.
  • Validate experimental data against Margules or van Laar model predictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-09-13 · Reviewed by Nham Vu