ACIDS, BASES & BUFFERS

ACIDS & BASES

Meaning of acids
Meaning of bases
Arrhenius theory
Lewis Theory
Bronsted Proton donor theory
ACIDS & BASES
A molecule or ion that can provide a proton (proton
donor) is an acid
One that can accept a proton (proton acceptor) is a
base
On accepting a proton, a base becomes an acid
On losing its proton, the acid becomes a base
An acid and its base are related by the presence or
absence of a proton, and are known as a conjugate pair
The transfer of a proton from the acid of one conjugate
pair to the base of another conjugate pair is Neutralization
ACIDS & BASES
It is evident that acids and bases may be cations, neutral
molecules, or anions
A strong acid is an acid that loses its proton easily
A weak acid holds its proton tenaciously
The conjugate base of a strong acid is a weak base,
whereas that of a weak acid is a strong base
In neutralization, the proton goes to the strongest of the
bases present.
The percent ionization and the ionization constant are
measures of the strength of a given acid
ACIDS & BASES
Acids and Bases are used in pharmacy for analytical
procedures, as buffer systems, and to dissolve insoluble
medicinals.
To accomplish the latter the insoluble compound must
have a functional group capable of acting as a strong
base or as an acid
Because strong acids or bases are being used, there can
be no excess acid or base because of the corrosive
nature of these reagents
 ACIDS & BASES
They are also necessary for the
preparation of effervescent mixtures
Some acids and bases listed in the
compendia at present are:
Calcium hydroxide
Potassium bicarbonate
Potassium Hydroxide
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium Carbonate
Sodium Hydroxide
Strong Ammonia Solution
Acetic Acid
Hydrochloric acid
Diluted Hydrochloric acid
Nitric acid
Sulfuric acid
Phosphoric Acid
Diluted Phosphoric Acid
Stability and storage problems of
these compounds must be
considered
All strong bases are subject to
reaction with carbon dioxide if
proper closures are not
maintained
Volatile compounds, such as
ammonia and hydrogen
chloride, must be sealed tightly
at all times, as must hygroscopic
compounds such as sodium
hydroxide
BUFFERS
They are used to maintain the pH of medicinal at an
optimal value
A buffer is a solution of a weak acid and its conjugate
base, the base being provided by one of its soluble salts
Physiological control of pH
Bronsted acids and bases have been used to maintain
and adjust the pH of body fluids
The greatest interest has been in development of gastric
antacids
Research: Common/other names & Use
H3BO3 KOH
HCl NaOH
Diluted HCl Na2CO3.H2O
HNO3 Soda Lime
H3PO4 Sodium borate
Diluted H3PO4 Hydrochloric acid buffer
H2SO4 Acid phthalate
Glacial Acetic Acid Neutralized phthalate buffer
NH4OH Phosphate buffer
Diluted Ammonia soln Alkaline borate buffer
Ca(OH)2
Research
Reasons for controlling pH for pharmaceutical/
therapeutic use
Factors that can alter pH
Mechanism of Action of Buffer Systems
Conditions or qualifications for choosing a buffer
2 inorganic buffer systems
3 borate buffer systems