The solvation changes of an ion, as the composition of a binary solvent is varied, can be treated on the basis of n successive equilibria where n is the solvation number. From a detailed consideration of the thermodynamics of preferential solvation, it is possible to define a free energy of preferential solvation ∆G ps ө and relate it to the more familiar free energy of trans fer, ∆G ps ө determinable for a neutral combination of ions from emf measurements. The treatment can be modified to include a case of change of solvation number and to non-statis tical distribution of the solvated species. When separate sol vent NMR signals from solvation shells can be detected or mixed solvates isolated, a further development enables a satis factory explanation to be given for the observed distribution of solvated species.