Introduction to Conductometry in Pharmaceutical Analysis

• Conductometry is a significant analytical technique used in various fields, including pharmaceutical analysis, to measure the electrical conductivity of a solution.

• This measurement is indicative of the presence and concentration of ions in the solution, which is essential for understanding many aspects of a solution's composition and properties.

Here's an introduction to conductometry, focusing on its application in pharmaceutical analysis:

illustration introducing Conductometry in Pharmaceutical Analysis, featuring the conductometer setup measuring ion concentration in a solution

Fundamentals of Conductometry:

1) Electrical Conductivity:

• It's the ability of a substance to conduct electric current, which in solutions, is due to the movement of ions.

• Conductivity is inversely related to resistance.

2) Conductance (G):

• The ease with which the electric current flows.

• It's the reciprocal of resistance.

3) Cell Constant (k):

• It's specific to the conductometric cell used and is a factor of the electrode's size and distance apart.

Measurement:

1. Conductometric Cell: 

• A typical setup involves a pair of electrodes immersed in the solution whose conductivity is to be measured.

2. AC Current: 

• Alternating current is used to prevent electrolysis at the electrodes, which could affect the measurements.

Advantages in Pharmaceutical Analysis:

1. Sensitivity: Conductometry is sensitive to changes in ionic concentration, making it useful for detecting even small amounts of ionic impurities.

2. Non-Destructive: It doesn't alter the sample, allowing for further analysis if needed.

3. Rapid and Easy: Conductometric measurements are typically quick and don't require complex procedures.

Applications of Conductometry

1. Pharmaceutical analysis:

• Determines the concentration of active ingredients, impurities, and degradation products in drug formulations.

• Useful for monitoring solid dosage dissolution and analyzing electrolytes in intravenous solutions.

2. Water quality monitoring:

• Measures total dissolved solids (TDS), water hardness, salinity, and concentrations of anions and cations in water samples.

3. Environmental analysis:

• Assesses pollutant concentrations (e.g., heavy metals, organic compounds) in air, water, and soil.

• Used to monitor chemical reactions in industrial processes. Top of Form Bottom of Form