Pharmaceutical Aids: Acids, Bases, and Buffers

Buffer

Substance that stabilizes pH in solutions.

Ophthalmic Solutions

Medications specifically formulated for eye use.

Boric Acid

Antiseptic and buffer agent, toxic internally.

Molecular Weight of Boric Acid

61.83 g/mol, used in various applications.

Hydrochloric Acid

Strong acid, used for digestion and antiseptic.

Molecular Weight of HCl

36.46 g/mol, highly ionized strong acid.

Synonyms of Boric Acid

Boracic Acid, Hydrogen Borate, Orthoboric Acid.

Synonyms of HCl

Muriatic Acid, Spirit of Sea Salt.

Uses of Boric Acid

Eyewash, buffer agent, and suppository base.

Uses of Hydrochloric Acid

Acidifying agent, gastric aid, and antiseptic.

Diluted HCl NF XV

Contains 9.5-10.5 g HCl per 100 mL.

Solubility of Boric Acid

Soluble in water, alcohol, and glycerin.

Solubility of HCl

Freely soluble in water and alcohol.

Density of HCl

Specific gravity of 1.18, colorless fuming liquid.

Toxicity of Boric Acid

Highly toxic if ingested or applied to skin.

Toxicity of HCl

Not absorbed through skin, toxic if ingested.

Boric Acid Occurrence

Found in seawater, plants, and volcanic steam.

Hydrochloric Acid Properties

Colorless liquid, pungent odor, reacts with metals.

Boric Acid Forms

Available as scales, crystals, or powder.

Commercial Muriatic Acid

Contains impurities, often yellowish in color.

Boroglycerin Preparation

Produced by glycerin reaction at 140-150°C.

Acidifying Agent

Converts drugs into water-soluble hydrochloride salts.

Gastric Achlorhydria Treatment

Uses Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride and Betaine Hydrochloride.

Hydrochloric Acid

Colorless in pure form; yellow due to impurities.

Muriatic Acid

Impure hydrochloric acid, yellow in color.

Pharmaceutical Aid

Acidifying agent in drug formulations.

Gastric Juice Component

Present at ~0.2%, aids digestion.

Sulfuric Acid

Colorless liquid, strong diprotic acid.

Nitric Acid

Highly corrosive fuming liquid, yellow stain.

Phosphoric Acid

Odorless syrupy liquid, strong monoprotic acid.

Molecular Weight of HCl

36.46 g/mol for hydrochloric acid.

Molecular Weight of HNO₃

63.01 g/mol for nitric acid.

Molecular Weight of H₃PO₄

98 g/mol for phosphoric acid.

Molecular Weight of H₂SO₄

98 g/mol for sulfuric acid.

Oxidizing Agent

Substance that gains electrons in reactions.

Dehydrating Agent

Removes water from substances during reactions.

Specific Gravity of HNO₃

~1.41 for nitric acid.

Specific Gravity of H₃PO₄

~1.71 for phosphoric acid.

Specific Gravity of H₂SO₄

~1.84 for sulfuric acid.

Boiling Point of HNO₃

~120°C for nitric acid.

Acidifying Agent

Substance that increases acidity in solutions.

Phosphate Buffer Systems

Formed with sodium hydroxide and phosphoric acid.

Contact Process

Method for producing concentrated sulfuric acid.

Lead Chamber Process

Produces ~76% sulfuric acid for fertilizers.

Strong Ammonia Solution

Contains n.l.t. 27% NH₃ by weight.

Calcium Hydroxide

White powder, slightly soluble in water.

Milk of Bismuth

Preparation involving bismuth compounds.

Xanthoproteic Test

Test for proteins using nitric acid.

Calcium Carbonate

Forms from CO₂ absorption, clouds solution.

Calcium Hydroxide

Slaked lime, used in various applications.

Bronsted Base

Forms ammonium salts from acids.

Saponifying Agent

Hydrolyzes fatty acid esters to alcohol.

Lime Water

Calcium hydroxide solution, 149 mg/100 mL.

Soda Lime

Mixture for CO₂ absorption in closed systems.

Potassium Hydroxide

Caustic potash, strong base, deliquescent.

Strong Ammonia Solution

Contains 27-38% NH₃, strong pungent odor.

Sodium Hydroxide

Caustic soda, strong base, reacts with CO₂.

Sodium Carbonate

Monohydrated, soluble in water and glycerin.

Electrolyte

Used in medical applications and fluid replacement.

Topical Astringent

Used for skin applications, reduces bleeding.

Calcium Soaps

Forms from reaction with fatty acids.

Gas Traps

Absorbs CO₂ in metabolic function tests.

Deliquescent

Absorbs moisture and CO₂ from air.

Volumetric Solutions

Used for acid titrations in laboratories.

Irritating Vapors

Caustic substances that can harm tissues.

Preparation Process

Slaking CaO with water produces heat.

Colorless Liquid

Strong ammonia solution appearance and properties.

Hydrolysis

Chemical breakdown involving water, used in saponification.

Boric Acid Buffer

Used to maintain pH in solutions.

Mouth Ulcers Treatment

Powdered form applied for oral health.

Mouth Ulcers Treatment

Applied as a powder for mouth ulcer relief.

Emulsifying Agent

Used in borax soap for ointment stability.

Buffers

Maintain pH for stability and comfort.

Boric Acid

Key component in borate buffer systems.

Phosphate Buffer System

Supports microbial growth, contains phosphate ions.

Borate Buffer System

Used in ophthalmic and nasal preparations.

Antioxidants

Prevent oxidation by reducing oxidized compounds.

Feldman's Buffer

Maintains pH 7-8.2 with boric acid and salts.

Sodium Bisulfite

Chemical formula: NaHSO₃, antioxidant in preparations.

Sodium Metabisulfite

Chemical formula: Na₂S₂O₅, used as a preservative.

Hypophosphorous Acid

Chemical formula: H₃PO₂, antioxidant in pharmaceuticals.

Sulfur Dioxide

Chemical formula: SO₂, used for preservation.

Nitrogen

Chemical formula: N₂, inert gas in medicine.

Potassium Hydroxide

Chemical formula: KOH, strong base with corrosive effects.

Calcium Hydroxide

Chemical formula: Ca(OH)₂, used in saponification.

Strong Ammonia Solution

Chemical formula: NH₃ solution, caustic and volatile.

Hydrochloric Acid

Chemical formula: HCl, strong corrosive acid.

pH Adjustment

Used in cleaning agents and chemical synthesis.

Colorless Crystals

Soluble in water, used in pharmaceutical buffers.

Deliquescent Substances

Absorb moisture from air, like calcium hydroxide.

Reducing Agent

Converts oxidized forms back to original states.

Chemical Synthesis

Process of creating compounds through chemical reactions.

Preservative Uses

Prevent spoilage in foods and medicines.

pH Adjustment

Process of altering acidity or alkalinity levels.

Bronsted Base

Substance that accepts protons in reactions.

Nitric Acid (HNO₃)

Colorless to yellowish liquid, strong acid and oxidizer.

Aqua Fortis

Synonym for Nitric Acid, used in various applications.

Boric Acid (H₃BO₃)

White powder, mildly acidic, used in fertilizers.

Ostwald Process

Method to produce nitric acid using ammonia and oxygen.

Phosphoric Acid (H₃PO₄)

Colorless liquid, used as antiseptic and buffering agent.