The densities, rho and refractive index, n(D) of (1,2-dichloroethane + benzene, +bromobenzene, +chlorobenzene, and +nitrobenzene) have been measured for the whole range of composition at temperature ranging from (293.15 to 333.15) K in T = 10 K intervals and ambient pressure (81.5 kPa), using Anton Paar DMA 4500 oscillating densimeter and Anton Paar Abbemat 500 automatic refractometer. From experimental values, excess molar volumes V-m(E), partial molar volumes (V) over bar (i), apparent molar volumes V-phi i and refractive index deviations Delta n(D) of binary systems were calculated and V-m(E) and Delta n(D) were correlated with the Redlich-Kister polynomial. The effect of temperature and benzene ring derivatives on the excess molar volumes and refractive index deviations are discussed in terms of molecular interaction between unlike molecules. The excess molar volumes are positive for 1,2-dichloroethane with benzene and its derivatives and it was found that V-m(E) in the systems increase with increasing temperature. A comparative study has been made of the refractive indices obtained experimentally and those calculated by means of the Lorentz-Lorenz and Gladstone-Dale relations. The perturbed chain statistical associating fluid theory (PC-SAFT) was also applied to correlate and predict the density of mixtures. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd.