Preparation of aqueous solutions of sparingly soluble organic substances: II. Multicomponent systems — hydrocarbon mixtures and petroleum products

The theory underlying the dissolution of mixtures of sparingly soluble organic chemicals, such as crude oils, in water is outlined, showing that the “solubility” of mixtures is a function of both the composition of the organic mixture and the ratio of water to organic phase volumes. A generator column method of preparing solutions of petroleum mixtures is described, the results obtained being consistent with the theory. The implications of these findings for studies of the composition and toxicity of aqueous solutions of organic mixtures are discussed.