Densities p and refractive indices n(D) for (anisole + benzene, or toluene, or o-xylene, or m-xylene or p-xylene or mesitylene) binary mixtures over the entire range of mole fraction, at temperatures (288.15, 293.15, 298.15, and 303.15) K and atmospheric pressure, have been measured. The excess molar volume V-E and molar refraction deviation AR(m), have been calculated and fitted to the Redlich-Kister polynomial relation to estimate the binary coefficients and standard errors. The excess molar volumes are positive for (anisole + mesitylene) binary mixtures and negative for (anisole + benzene, or toluene, or xylene isomers) binary mixtures at various temperatures. Partial molar volumes (V) over bar (i) and partial excess molar volumes (V) over bar (E)(i) have been also derived from the experimental data. The calculated values have been used to explain the dependency of intermolecular interaction between the mixing components on the alkyl substitution on benzene ring. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.