Properties of Solids

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to the properties of solids, focusing on aspects relevant to pharmaceutical applications.

Crystalline solids

Solids with molecules, atoms, or ions arranged in a repeating 3D lattice structure.

Amorphous solids

Solids that do not possess a defined melting point and are characterized by a glass transition temperature.

Polymorphism

The ability of a substance to crystallize in multiple forms with different physical and chemical properties.

Solvates

Crystals that include solvent molecules in their structure; called hydrates when the solvent is water.

Hydrates

A type of solvate that contains water molecules within its crystal structure.

Eutectic mixture

A mixture of two or more solids that has a lower melting point than that of either component on its own.

Crystal habit

The external shape of a crystal, which can vary based on the conditions of crystallization.

Unit cell

The smallest repeating unit in a crystal lattice that fully describes the arrangement of the entire crystal.

Intermolecular forces

Forces that mediate interaction between molecules, including ion-ion, dipole-dipole, and hydrogen bonds.

Solid dispersions

A state where a drug is dispersed in a polymer matrix, aimed at enhancing solubility and bioavailability.

What is a dosage form?

A dosage form is the physical form in which a pharmaceutical drug is produced and dispensed, such as tablets, capsules, or liquids.

What is an excipient?

An excipient is an inactive substance used as a carrier for the active ingredients in a drug formulation.

What is pharmaceutical stability?

Pharmaceutical stability refers to the ability of a drug product to maintain its identity, strength, quality, and purity throughout its shelf life.

What is pharmaceutics?

Pharmaceutics is the field of study that focuses on the formulation, manufacture, and stability of drug products.

What are the different dosage forms?

Different dosage forms include solid forms (tablets, capsules), liquid forms (solutions, syrups), semi-solid forms (creams, ointments), and others (injections, aerosols).

What are the routes of administration?

Routes of administration include oral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, topical, and inhalation.

What does LADME stand for in pharmacology?

LADME stands for Liberation, Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion, which describes the fate of a drug after administration.

What physicochemical factors influence drug fate in the body?

Physicochemical factors that influence drug fate include solubility, permeability, stability, molecular size, and ionization.

What are basic chemistry concepts relevant to pharmaceutics?

Basic chemistry concepts relevant to pharmaceutics include the properties of acids and bases, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, and molecular structure.