In order to obtain reliable data of the standard enthalpy of combustion of compounds containing sulfur or halogen atoms, a new calorimetric rotating-bomb system has been set up. Around a platinum lining Parr 1004 C combustion bomb, an isoperibolic, calorimeter has been designed, constructed and tested. The calorimeter was calibrated by using standard benzoic acid and the resulting equivalent in energy was epsilon(calor) = (14321.2 +/- 2.4) J . K-1. Combustion measurements using thianthrene were made in order to verify the accuracy of the device, leading to the value of Delta(c)u(o) = -(33462.9 +/- 5.7) J . g(-1), in agreement with the recommended one. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.