Solution and Mixing Thermodynamics of Propranolol and Atenolol in Aqueous Media

Based on the van't Hoff and Gibbs equations, the thermodynamic functions Gibbs energy, enthalpy, and entropy of dissolution, and of mixing of propranolol (PPN) and atenolol (ATN) in water at pH=11.5, were evaluated from solubility values determined at several temperatures. The equilibrium solubility values obtained for ATN were almost three hundred-fold higher than those for PPN. The enthalpies of dissolution were positive for both drugs, whereas the entropies of dissolution were both negative indicating a greater molecular organization after the drugs' dissolution processes. Otherwise, the entropies of mixing were also negative in both cases indicating mixing-entropy is driving on drugs dissolution processes. The results were discussed in terms of solute-solvent interactions, especially hydrophobic hydration.