A corresponding states correlation of the homogeneous nucleation thresholds of supercooled vapors

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Abstract
The homogeneous nucleation thresholds for a number of vapors are examined in dimensionless corresponding states form. Strong correlations in behavior are observed which are independent of specific nucleation models. In particular, the influence of molecular structure and degree of intermolecular association on nucleation is addressed. Five classes of vapors are included as part of an extensive survey of reported critical supersaturation ratio measurements: simple atomic and molecular vapors of high rotational symmetry, alkane and alkylbenzene vapors, associated vapors (e.g., organic acids), and vapors condensing to associated hydrogen-bonded liquids (e.g., the lower molecular weight alcohols and water). The classical Becker–Döring–Zeldovich nucleation theory is recase in dimensionless form based on empirical relations for the surface tension and density of a simple fluid. Pitzer’s acentric parameter is used to correlate departures from simple behavior for some of the more complex vapors included in the survey. Only those vapors which condense to form strongly associated liquids show a pattern of nucleating at supersaturations less than those of the corresponding simple fluid.