Purity and Formulations

A formulation is a mixture that has been designed for a specific purpose to deliver a commercial product
Formulations are complex mixtures that are made by following an exact recipe
Each component of the formulation has a particular purpose
Every part of the formulation is present in carefully measured quantities so that the final product has the required properties
An everyday example of a formulation is paint
Paint contains the following substances in exact quantities:
  * Pigment: gives the paint colour
  * Binder: forms a film that holds the pigment in place
  * Solvent: used to dissolve the other components and alter the viscosity
Formulations are very important in the pharmaceutical industry where the exact ratios of each component must be precise
By changing the formulation of a particular medicine chemists can make sure it delivers the drug to the correct part of the body at the right concentration, that it’s safe to consume and has an adequately long shelf life
Other examples of formulations are: fuels, cleaning agents, alloys, fertilisers and foods
The information on the packaging of some products tells you the formulation as a percentage composition

Melting and boiling points are unique. Pure substances each have a unique specific melting point and boiling point. The temperatures of the melting point and boiling point are specific to the substance.
Sample purity can be tested. If we know the specific melting or boiling point for a substance, we can test the purity of a sample. If the sample has the same melting or boiling point as the substance, then we can confirm that the substance is pure.
Impurities can be detected. By using the melting or boiling point of a sample, we can detect impurities. Impurities will change the melting and boiling point of a substance. Impure substances melt and boil over a range of temperatures.