Accurate experimental data of vapour-liquid equilibria (VLE) and excess enthalpies are reported for the binary systems (1-pentanol + 2,2,4-trimethylpentane) and (1-pentanol + n-heptane). An isothermal total pressure cell was used for measuring the VLE at T=313.15 K. The data were correlated using Margules, Wilson, NRTL and UNIQUAC equations. The enthalpies of mixing were measured at two different temperatures T=(298.15 and 313.15) K using an isothermal flow calorimeter and were correlated by the Redlich-Kister equation. The thermodynamic behaviour is discussed. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.