Using Widom's potential distribution theory (J. Chem. Phys. 39 (1963)
2808; J. Phys. Chem. 86 (1982) 869), a general and a special theorems
are derived, by means of which one can judge whether a particular sub-
process of an overall process will produce compensating changes in ent
halpy and entropy. The enthalpy-entropy compensation phenomena that ar
e observed in the transfer process of a hydrophobic molecule from a no
n-aqueous phase to water are examined in the light of these theorems.
It is concluded that most sub-processes involved in the hydrophobic tr
ansfer process are compensating except one, that of inserting a cavity
corresponding to the solute molecule in the liquid. The reason that t
his process is non-compensating, and therefore most responsible for th
e hydrophobicity, is traced to the hard core overlap between solvent a
nd the solute molecules.