The values of molecular weight of humic acids obtained by the cryoscopic method with organic solvents were discussed in order to re-examine their true meanings.The molecular weight of several compounds, containing carboxyl and/or hydroxyl groups and their derivatives, as the model of humic acid, were measured cryoscopically in organic solvents (
p-nitrophenol, acetoamide etc).On the other hand, the appearent molecular weight of humic acids, their derivatives and solvent extracts of bituminous coal were measured fin the same way.From the above experiments, it was conclude that the values obtained as the molecular weight of humic acids was indipendent of the real value.That is, the value (300) obtained as the molecular weigth of humic acids in
p-nitrophenol has been considered to be too small than expected from the other behaviours of humic acid, and it seems likely, as R.S.Smith et al suggested, that this small value is obtained as the, result of cleaving of humic acids in this solvent.The value (about 500-600) obtained in acetoamide was considered to be a value which was related to the equivalent weight of active functional groups in this solvent.
Secondly, the molecular weight of humic acids were estimated from the degree of freezing point lowering of aqueous solution of potassium salt of humic acids and the van't Hoff factor calculated from the degree of dissociation of these salts. In the above treatment there are some points remained undisolved, however, it seems to give an approximate value of true molecular weight of humic acids. According to these experiments and considerations, it is concluded that the real value of molecular weights of humic acids, regenerated from bituminous coal or extracted from lignite, would be an order of several thousands, and the former has somewhat larger value than the latter.
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