The generic designation for a family of analytical methods in which the
enthalpy change of a chemical reaction is measured, directly or indirectly, in order to perform
a quantitative determination of a reactant or
catalyst. In general, at least one reactant is a liquid or solution. It is a subset of
calorimetry in which the system is maintained at constant (usually atmospheric pressure), and
the emphasis is on a quantitative determination in a reasonable length of time.
Analytical solution calorimetry is a synonymous designation that may be used but is not preferred.
Thermochemical analysis has been used but is not recommended because of potential confusion and overlap with
the methods of
thermal analysis. The adjective
thermometric is also associated with the names of some of these methods, but is not recommended
as a general designation.
Source:
PAC, 1994, 66, 2487
(Nomenclature of thermometric and enthalpimetric methods in chemical analysis (IUPAC
Recommendations 1994))
on page 2489