452 
Lincoln—Electrical Conductivity. 
value of [a in those solutions that conduct, is not commensurate 
with the degree of association of the solvent. 
6. The molecular conductivity, in general, increases with the 
dilution; but in several cases the conductivity decreases with 
the successive dilutions. 
7. The molecular conductivity usually increases with the tem¬ 
perature; but not proportionately. In some cases it remains 
virtually constant with increase of temperature, while in others 
it decreases. The changes in viscosity accompanying a varying 
temperature have not been determined. 
8. The conductivity of electrolytes depends very much upon 
the nature of the solvent employed. No rigid classification can 
be made; but, in general, solutions in the hydrocarbons and 
their halogen substitution products do not conduct. Alcoholic 
solutions conduct well and the conductivity, in general, de¬ 
creases with the increase of the carbon content. Solutions in 
esters conduct, but those of high carbon content usually yield 
solutions that conduct very poorly. The ketones and the alde¬ 
hydes yield solutions that conduct well. Of the nitrogen com¬ 
pounds ammonium and ammonia substitution products, or 
amines, conduct The nitriles of both the aliphatic and aro¬ 
matic series yield conducting solutions; and of the organic 
bases, pyridine and quinoline come under this same category. 
9. The dissociation theory as promulgated for the explanation 
of the electrical conductivity of aqueous solutions, apparently 
cannot be applied in its present form to explain the conduc¬ 
tivity in non-aqueous solutions. It further appears that the 
auxiliary theories, which are based upon the specific inductive 
capacity, the polymerization of the molecules, and the self¬ 
ionization of the solvent, are not sufficient to explain satisfac¬ 
torily the facts that have been accumulated. Notwithstanding the 
work that has been done, the data at hand are as yet insufficient 
for the formulation of a theory by means of which a satisfac¬ 
tory explanation can be given of the phenomenon of electrical 
conductivity of solutions in general. 
This investigation was made in the Laboratory of Physical 
Chemistry of the University of Wisconsin. It was undertaken 
at the suggestion of Professor Kahlenberg and carried on 
