The densities of binary mixtures of formamide (FA) with ethanol, 1-propanol, 1,2-ethanediol, and 1,2-propanediol, including those of pure liquids, over the entire composition range were measured at temperatures (293.15, 298.15, 303.15, 308.15, 313.15, and 318.15) K and atmospheric pressure. From the experimental data, the excess molar volume, V-m(E), partial molar volumes, (V) over bar (m,1), and (V) over bar (m,2), over the whole composition range and (V) over bar degrees(E)(m,1) and (V) over bar degrees(E)(m,2) at infinite dilution, and excess partial molar volumes, (V) over bar (E)(m,1) and (V) over bar (E)(m,2), over the whole composition range and (V) over bar degrees(E)(m,1) and (V) over bar degrees(E)(m,2) at infinite dilution were calculated. The variation of these parameters with composition and temperature of the mixtures have been discussed in terms of molecular interaction in these mixtures. The observed trends in V-m(E) values indicate the presence of specific interactions between FA and alkanol molecules. The V-m(E) values follows the order: ethanol < 1-propanol < 1,2-ethanediol < 1,2-propanediol. It is observed that the V-m(E) values depend upon the number of hydroxyl groups and alkyl chain length in these alkanol molecules. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.