A thermodynamic investigation of tripalmitin. Molar heat capacities of thealpha- and beta-form between 10 K and 350 K

Molar heat capacities of two forms of tripalmitin (the alpha- and the beta- forms) were measured between 10 K and 350 K. The enthalpy of fusion of the metastable alpha-form was calculated to be 108.4 kJ . mol(-1) at a melting point of 318 K, according to differential scanning calorimetry measurements . For the stable beta-form a value of 117.2 kJ . mol(-1) was found at the m elting temperature of 339.01 K. To get a consistent set of Gibbs energy val ues a zero entropy of (18 +/- 2) J . K-1 . mol(-1) has to be assumed for th e alpha-phase. The molar heat capacity of the liquid phase was represented by C-p = {1100.15 + 1.866 T/K} J . K-1. mol(-1).