The heat capacities of beta-D-(-)-arabinose were measured using a Quantum Design Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS) over the temperature range from (1.9 to 300) K, and the experimental values were fitted as a function of temperature using a series of theoretical and empirical models in the appropriate temperature ranges, from which the corresponding thermodynamic functions were calculated. The standard molar heat capacity, entropy and enthalpy of beta-D-(-)-arabinose at T = 298.15 K and P = 0.1 MPa were determined to be C-p,m(o) = (186.29 +/- 1.86) J . K-1 . mol(-1), S-m(o) = (181.72 +/- 1.83) J . K-1 . mol(-1) and H-m(o) = (28.52 +/- 0.29) kJ . mol(-1), respectively. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.