This chapter provides a brief review of the concepts of acid-base chemistry
with its applications on drug molecules. It also highlights the significance of salt
formations in pharmaceutical products. After studying this chapter, students will be
able to:
• Comprehend the Arrhenius, Brønstead-Lowry, and Lewis concepts of acids and
bases.
• Comprehend the ionization, factors controlling ionization, and the acids-base
strengths.
• Identify the acids and bases occurring in drug molecules and their significance.
• Apply the concept of acid-conjugate base and base-conjugate acid in pharmacy.
• Apply Henderson-Hasselbalch equation and in pharmacy and drug action and
bioavailability.
• Interpret pH partition theory and its significance in drug pharmacokinetics.
• Illustrate the purpose of salt formation with drug molecules and the acidity or basicity
of the salts.
Keywords: Acids, Bases, Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, Ionization, Partition
coefficient, pH partition theory, Salt formation, Solubility.
