Grand canonical ensemble Monte Carlo simulations of the solvent primitive m
odel are reported for estimation of chemical potential values of bulk elect
rolytes. In this model, the solvent is represented by neutral hard spheres,
and ions described by central point charged hard spheres interact with eac
h other as if in a uniform dielectric medium. The pair distribution profile
s, internal energy and excess chemical potential of ions are presented. The
packing and exclusion effects contributed by the solvent are discussed, in
contrast with the primitive model in which no solvent particles are presen
t. Results are also compared with previous calculations of the hypernetted
chain theory. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.