Unit- V

pH, Buffers and Isotonic solutions

Sorenson’s pH scale:
pH refers to potential of hydrogen ions concentration. Sorenson’s has defined pH of
a solutionas the logarithm of the reciprocal of the hydrogen ions or hydronium ions
concentration [H3O+].

Mathematically:
pH= log 1/ [H3O+] (1)
The above equation can be rearranged as
pH= log 1- log [H3O+] --------------------------------------------- (2)
=> pH= - log [H3O+]
(or)
pH= - log [H+] {as the value of log 1 is Zero} ------------------------------- (3)
Hence pH can also defined as the negative logarithm of hydrogen ion or hydronium
ions concentration. The concentration of [H3O+] is expressed in molarity, mol/L, etc.
In pure water [H+] = 1.0 X 10-7
So pH of neutral (pure) water is –log (10-7) = 7.

Acidic solution:
❖ The solutions having [H+] value greater than 10-7 are called acidic solution and
the solutions having [H+] value less than 10-7 are called basic solution.
Hence pH value of all acidic solutions are less than 7 and pH value of all basic solutions are
greater than 7.
❖ Sorenson developed a scale based on the pH value and different concentration of
H3O+ in a solution which is called Sorenson’s pH scale.
❖ The magnitude of the hydrogen ion is represented by means of the normality factor
with regard to hydrogen ion, and this factor is written in the form of a negative power of
10.
❖ Sorenson employ the name ‘hydrogen ion exponent’ and the symbol pH for the
numerical value of this power.

❖ Sorenson’s scale (Table-1) assigns a pH of 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic, 14
being the most basic, and 7 being neutral (neither acidic nor basic).
❖ The pH scale works in powers of ten,so each jump in number is a multiple of ten in
concentration. For example a pH of 1 is 10 times more acidic than pH 2.

❖ The value 7 at which the hydrogen and hydroxyl ion concentrations are about
equal at room temperature is referred to as the neutral point, or neutrality.
❖ The neutralpH at 0oC is 7.47, and at 100oC it is 6.15.
Table-1: The pH scale and corresponding hydrogen and hydroxyl ion
concentrations

[H3O+] [OH-1]
pH (moles/liter) (moles/liter)
0 100 10-14
1 10-1 10-13
Acidic
2 10-2 10-12
3 10-3 10-11
4 10-4 10-10
5 10-5 10-9 Neutral

6 10-6 10-8
7 10-7 10-7
8 10-8 10-6 Basic
9 10-9 10-5
10 10-10 10-4
11 10-11 10-3
12 10-12 10-2
13 10-13 10-1
14 10-14 100
❖ The generalizations reported above regarding the acidity, neutrality and basicity
hold good only when,
✓ Solvent is water
✓ Temperature is 25oC
✓ No other factors present that cause deviations.

Applications:
The pH of the solutions must be controlled in pharmacy particularly in formulations
of eye drops, ear drops, injections and liquid orals for the following reasons.

❖ Enhancing solubility and stability:

The pH of the pharmaceutical preparations shouldbe adjusted so as to makethe API
soluble and remain physically stable in the formulation.
❖ Improving purity:
The purity of the protein can be determined as the amphoteric compoundsare least
soluble at their isoelectric points.
❖ Absorption of drugs:
The drug molecules are absorbed differently from various parts of the GITas the
later differs in their pH.
❖ Optimising biological activity:
Enzymes have maximum activity at a definite pH value.
❖ Comforting the body:
The pH of the formulations that are administered to different tissues of the body
should be optimum to avoid irritation (eyes), haemolysis (blood) orburning sensation
(abraded surface).

❖ Storage of products:
Special type of glass is used in case the glass container imparts alkalinity andalters
the pH of the contents.
 The pH indicators:
The pH indicator is a weak acid or weak base that exists in tautomeric form that
readily interconvert. It is a solution when added to test solution produces a colour
change, which helpsin determining the pH of the test solution. The colour of any
indicator depends on the pH of the solution (Table-2).
Example: Phenolpthalein, methyl red, Thymol blue etc.

Universal indicator:
Universal indicator is defined as a mixture of several indicators, which gives
different color shades as the pH of the solution varies, in a particular pH range.

Table-2: Some indicators and change of colours with pH.

Name of the pH range Colour change Universal
indicator indicator
Methyl yellow 3.1-4.4 Blue-yellow
Methyl red 4.2-6.2 Red-yellow Mixture of all
Bromothymol Blue 6.0-7.6 Yellow-blue indicator range ofpHis
Thymol blue 8.0-9.6 Yellow-blue 1 to 11.

pH determination:
The are two widely accepted methods for the determination of the pH of a solution
✓ Colorimetric method
✓ Electrometric method
 Colorimetric method:
❖ This method based on the principle of colour comparison of the test solution
to that of the standard both treated with universal indicator.
❖ This method is used to determine the pH of the solution in the pH range of 3
to 11 ± 0.2 units.
❖ Commercially available indicator strips of filter papers are used for
identifying the pH.
❖ Otherwise several standard solutions can be prepared or procured which are
mixed solution of buffer and indicator.
❖ Also Capillators and Comparators are commercially available for this
purpose.
Capillators:
Standard solutions (mixture of buffer solution and universal indicator) of
small volume placed in capillary tubes are called capillators.
Comparators:
Standard solutions (mixture of buffer solution and universal indicator) of
large volume placed in capillary tubes are called comparators.
This is useful in examining turbid and coloured solutions.
Method:
Step-1: Standard buffer solutions of known pH ranging from 3.0 to 11.0 are
prepared with 1.0 pH interval.
Step-2: A few drops of universal indicator solutions are added to the abovesolution
that produce different colours. Similarly few drops of universal indicator are also
added to the solution to be tested. It produce a colour depending upon its pH.
Step-3: The colour of the test solution is compared with the colour of the standard
solutions. The pH of the standard solution that has nearly same colour as that of
test is consider as the approximate pH of test solution.
Step-4: In a similar way the test solution is again compared with the colour of the
indicator treated standard solution of narrow pH range with 0.2 pH interval.
Step-5: Step 2 and 3 are again repeated and the pH of the solution is reported.

Precautions:
✓ Standard solutions must be protected from light to avoid colour fading
✓ All tubes must have same dimension. i.e. tube diameter and thickness of
glass.
Advantages:
✓ Less expensive
✓ Acid-base reaction of non-aqueous solution can be studied.
✓ Easy estimation of pH unless the drug shows buffer action.

Disadvantage:
✓ This method is less accurate and less convenient
✓ It is not useful for coloured or turbid solution.
✓ The indicators used may impart a deviation in pH to buffered solution.
✓ This is not useful in presence of salts, proteins etc.

Electrometric method Principle:

The magnitude in the potential difference between glass and a solution
containing hydrogen ion varies with concentration of H + concentration. Hence the
pH of the solutions are determined by means of the electrodes. Hydrogen electrode
and glass electrodes are used for this purpose. However glass electrodes are
commonly used.
The instrument used to determine the pH of unknown solution by this method
is called pH meter.
Method:
A pH metre with its control knobs are presented in fig.1. The glass electrode is
attached to the instrument.
 Figure 1: The pH meter with glass membrane electrode.

Step-1: At first the instrument temperature is set to that of the solution

temperature.
Step-2: The electrode is immersed into a standard buffer solution of pH 7.0. The
potential control knob is adjusted till the pH reading in digital meter becomes 7.0.
Step-3: Then the instrument is calibrated using standard buffers of pH 4.0 (M/20
potassium hydrogen phthalate) or/and pH 9.14.
Step-4: The electrode is now rinsed with distilled water properly and re-immersed
into the test solution. The pH value is obtained from the digital meter.
The pH of the test solution can be changed by the addition of slight amount
acid or base solution (depending upon the desired direction of change) and the
procedure is followed till the desired pH is obtained.
Advantages:
✓ It gives an accurate measurement of pH.
✓ Glass electrode is not affected by oxidation-reduction system.
✓ The electrode establishes equilibrium rapidly.
✓ The indicator need not required.
✓ The pH range of measurement is large.

Disadvantages:
✓ The cost of pH meter is high compared to colorimetric method.
✓ This method is not suitable for viscous solutions and gels because of poor
ionic mobility.
 Buffers:
Buffers are defined as a compound or a mixture of compounds that resists the pH
upon the addition of small quantities of acid or alkali. Buffer have definite pH value. The
pH will not change after keeping it for a long period of time. The pH value gets altered
negligibly by the addition of small quantities of acid /base.
Buffer action:
The resistance to a change in pH is known as buffer action. So buffers canbe
added to show buffer action.

Buffer capacity:
The amount of acid/base required to produce a unit change in pH in a
solutionis called buffer capacity.

Applications of Buffers:
❖ Solubility enhancement:
The pH of the pharmaceutical formulations are adjusted to an optimum value so that the
drug remains solubilized though out its shelf-life and not precipitated out.
❖ Increasing stability:
To prevent hydrolysis and for maximum stability, the pH of the medium
should be adjusted suitably.
❖ Improving purity:
The purity of proteins can be identified from its solubility at their isoelectric point as
they are least soluble at this point. The isoelectric pH can be maintained using suitable
buffers.
❖ Optimising biological activity:
Enzymes have maximum activity at definite pH values. Hence buffer of desired pH is
added to the preparation.
❖ Comforting the body:
The pH of the formulations that are administered to different tissues of the body
should be optimum to avoid irritation (eyes), haemolysis (blood) orburning sensation
(abraded surface).
The pH of the preparation must be added with suitable amount of buffers to match
with the pH of the physiological fluid.
Buffer systems:
The buffer systems are classified as followings
a. Weak acid and its conjugate base, i.e. salt of week acid with a strong base.Example-
acetic acid and sodium acetate.
b. Weak base and its conjugate acid, i.e. salt of week base with a strong acid.Example-
ammonium hydroxide and ammonium chloride.
c. Two salts acts as acid-base pair.
Example- Potassium hydrogen phosphate and potassium dihydrogen
phosphate.
d. Amphoteric electrolyte.
Example- Solution of glycine.
e. Solution of strong acid and solution of strong base.
Example- Strong HCl with KCl.

Some important buffer system and their pH is given below in table-3.

System pH
HCl and KCl 1.2 to 2.2
HCl and potassium hydrogen phthalate 2.2 to 4.0
Sodium hydroxide and potassium hydrogen 4.2 to 5.8
phthalate

Boric acid and sodium carbonate monohydrate 5.0 to 9.0

Potassium dihydrogen phosphate and sodium 5.8 to 8.0
hydroxide

Boric acid, sodium hydroxide and potassium 8.0-10.0

chloride
Buffer action of acidic buffer:
Consider an acid buffer, i.e. acetic acid and sodium acetate. The ionizationequation are
written as:
Strong electrolyte:
H2O
CH3COONa Na+ + CH3COO- completely ionized

Weak acid:
CH3COOH + H2O <===> H3O+ + CH3COO- slightly ionized

Therefore, the solution contains very few H3O+ ions, but has an excess sodium ions
and acetate ions. When a small amount of acid is added, the H3O+ ions present in the
solution react with CH3COO- as
H3O+ + CH3COO- CH3COOH + H2O
+
Since added free H3O ions are not available, pH does not change. When a small
amount of base is added, the hydroxyl ions furnished by the base are neutralised by acetic
acid as:
OH- + CH3COOH CH3COO- + H2O
Since added free OH- ions are not available, pH does not change. Thus buffer
action is maintained when a small amount of acid or base is added. This process continues
until entire acetate ions or acetic acid is consumed, action is not unlimited.
The mechanism of buffer action of acid-base pair (example is phosphate buffer) is
similar to that mentioned above. In phosphate buffer, weak acid conjugate base are
involved, i.e. ion H2PO - serves as weak acid4 and H PO 2-
actsas its conjugate
2 4 base.

Buffer Action of Alkaline Buffer:

Buffer action of a mixture of a weak base and its salt, for example ammonium
hydroxide and ammonium chloride, is considered. The ionization equation is written as:
Strong electrolyte:
H2O
NH4Cl NH4+ + Cl- - completely ionised

Weak base: H2O

NH4OH <======> NH4+ + OH- - slightly ionized
4
 Therefore, the solution contains very few OH- ions, but has an excess of
ammonium ions and chloride ions.
When a small amount of acid is added, the H3O+ ions obtained from acidreact
with NH4OH as
H3O++ NH4OH <=====> NH + 4+ 2 H2O
Since added free H3O+ ions are not available, pH does not change.
When a strong base is added, the hydroxyl ions furnished by the base areneutralised by
NH + as:
4
OH- + NH4 + <=====> NH4 OH
Since added free OH- ions are not available, pH does not change. Thus buffer
action is maintained when a small amount of acid or base is added. This process continues
until entire ammonium hydroxide or ammonium ions are consumed. Hence buffer action
is not unlimited.

Ampholytic Substances:
Ampholytes and amphoteric electrolytes are the substances that capable of acting
both as an acid and a base. For example, glycine, like an acid as shown below.
NH2CH2COOH + H2O <======> NH2CH2COO- + H3O+
Glycine also behaves as a base as shown below.
NH2CH2COO- + H3O+ <=======> +NH3CH2COO-+ H2O
These doubly charged ions are known as zwitter ions or dipolar ions he above
system reacts with H3O+ ions or OH- ions and nullify the influence of the added
substances.
Buffer equation-Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:
The buffer equation is also known as Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. Two
separate equations are obtained for each type of buffer, acidic and basic. Buffer equation
is developed based on the effect of salt on the ionization of a weak acid, when the salt and
acid have a common ion.
An acid buffer, acetic acid and sodium acetate, is considered for deriving the buffer
equation. The ionization equilibrium equation for weak acid (acetic acid) may be shown
as:
Weak acid:
CH3COOH + H2O <====> H3O+ + CH3COO- -slightly ionized Applying the
Law of Mass Action, the acid dissociation constant (Ka) is written as:
Ka = [H3O+] [CH3COO-]/ [CH3COOH] =1.75 x 10-5 (1)
When sodium acetate is added to acetic acid, equation (1) is momentarily disturbed.
Since, salt also supplies the acetate ion, the term [CH3COOH] in the numerator increases.
In order to re- establish the constant Ka at 1.75 x 10-5, the hydronium ion [H3O+] in
the numerator instantaneously decreases. In other words, the equilibrium is shifted in the
direction shown below.
CH3COO- + H3O+ H2O + CH3COOH
-
In other words, common ion, [CH3COO ] repressed ionization of acetic acid.
This is an example of common ion effect.
The pH of the final solution may be obtained by rearranging equation (1).[H3O+] = Ka
[CH3COOH] / [CH3COO-] (2)
Since, the acid is weak and ionizes slightly, [CH3COOH] may remain unaltered.
Hence, [CH3COOH] = [acid].
 Since salt is completely ionized, the entire [CH3COO-] may be obtained
directly from the salt and be written as [salt].
Hence, [CH3COO-] = [salt].
Substituting them in equation (2) gives:
[H3O+] = Ka [acid] / [salt] (3) Taking logarithm of equation
(3) and reversing the signs give:
- log [H3O+] = - log Ka - log [acid] / [salt] (4)But pH = -log [H3O+]
and pKa = -log Ka.
By substituting these values in equation (4) gives:
pH = pKa + log [acid] / [salt] (5)
Equation (5) is known as buffer equation or Henderson-Hasselbalch
equation for acid buffer.
Similarly buffer equation for a solution containing weak base and the
corresponding salt may be derived in a similar manner.
Equation for the calculation of [OH-] may be written as:
[OH-] = Kb [base]/[salt] (6)Henderson-Hasselbalch’s equation
for basic buffers is:
pH = pKw + pKb + log[salt]/[acid] (7)

Applications:
❖ For a definite pH solution, it is essential to add salt and acid (or base) to water in a
desired ratio. This ratio is determined by Henderson-Hasselbalch equation.
❖ Since salt and acid are added in the preparation of a buffer solution, their
concentrations are known. Using this data, the resultant pH of a solution can be calculated
using buffer equation.
 ❖ Equations (5) and (7) permit the calculation of the percent of drug ionized (or
ionized) in the solution. This knowledge is important in predicting the drug absorption,
because only unionized molecules can penetrate cell membranes (lipid in nature) more
readily than ionized molecules.
❖ The pKa of various drugs can be determined from pH of solutions
❖ The solubility of a substance at any pH can be predicted provided intrinsic
solubility and pKa are known.
❖ A suitable sält forming substance can be selected based on Henderson Hasselbalch
equation.
Buffer Capacity:
Buffer efficiency or buffer capacity is defined as the ratio of the increment of strong
base (or acid) to the small change in pH brought about by this addition.
Buffers resist the change in pH. However, the pH of the solution does change when
a large quantity of acid or base is added. The magnitude of the resistance of a buffer to pH
change is referred to as the buffer capacity, buffer index and buffer value.

Buffer capacity, β, is mathematically expressed as:

β = ΔB/ ΔpH… (8)

where B = concentration of base (or acid) added, gram Eq/L

According to equation (8), the buffer capacity has a value of 1 when 1 gram equivalent of
strong base (or acid) is added to 1 litre of buffer solution, if the change in pH is 1 unit.
 The buffer has its greatest capacity, when [salt]/[acid] is equal to 1. Therefore,
Henderson- Hasselbalch equation may be written as pH = pKa. Buffer capacity decreases
appreciably as the pH deviates more than 1 unit on each side of the pKa value (fig-2).
Buffer capacity is not afixed value for a given buffer system, but depends on the amount
of base added. Buffer capacitychanges as the ratio of log [salt]/[acid] increases with added
base. Buffer equation can be usedto calculate the pH of the solution after the addition of
base.

Figure 2- A typical Buffer capacity diagram of a buffer solution.

Buffer capacity is also influenced by the total concentration of the ier constituents.
The greater the concentration of salt and acid, the greater is the buffer capacity. For this
reason, buffers are expressed in terms of molar concentrations namely 0.2 M, 0.02 M, etc.
Van Slyke’s equation can be used for calculating the buffer capacity of a buffer.

β = 2.303 C {Ka [H3O+]/ (Ka + [H3O+])2}------- (9)

where C= concentration of total buffer (sum of acid and salt)
Equation (9) permits the calculation of β at any hydrogen concentrate.At maximum
capacity, pH= pKa or the term [H3O+] =Ka
Hence, equation (9) changes to

βmax = 0.576 C ------------------------(10)

 ▪ SYSTEMS:
Blood:
❖ Blood consists of primary (plasma) and secondary buffer Erythrocytes)
systemscontributing the pH 7.4.
❖ When the pH of the blood is below 7.0 or above 7.8, life is in danger. The pH of the
blood in diabetic coma is reported to drop as low as 6.8.
❖ Primary buffers:
✓ It is present in plasma.
✓ carbonic acid-bicarbonate system
✓ Acid/alkali salts ofphosphoric acid system.
❖ Secondary buffers:
✓ These are present in erythrocytes.
✓ Haemoglobin/oxyhaemoglobin system
✓ Acid/alkali salts of phosphoric acid system.
❖ The buffer capacity is 0.0318+ 0.0035 for the whole blood, in which 0.031is
contributed bythe cells and 0.008 is contributed by the plasma.
Lacrimal fluids:
❖ Lacrimal fluids (or tears) have been found to have a great degree of buffer capacity,
allowing dilution of 1:15 with neutral distilled water.
❖ The pH of tears is about 7.4, with a range of 7.0 to 8.0.
❖ Normally, pure conjunctival fluid is more acidic than the tear fluids commonly
employed in pharmacy.
❖ The pH increases rapidly when the sample is removed for analysis becauseof loss of
carbon dioxide from the tear fluid.
Urine:
❖ The pH of urine is 6.0 for normal subjects (adults), when 24 h urine wascollected.
❖ ThepH may be as low as 4.5 or as high as 7.8.
❖ The pH of urine is maintained in the following manner.

✓ If urine pH is low (4.5), hydronium ions are excreted into it urine by thekidneys.
✓ If urine pH is high (7.4), hydronium ions are retained by the action ofkidneys.
Pharmaceutical Buffers:
❖ Buffers in Tablet formulations
✓ Buffers are used in tablets and capsules to control the pH of the drugparticles.
✓ Buffers employed in formulations containing acidic drugs to reduce gastric
irritation.
 ✓ Buffering agents used in solid oral dosage forms include antacids such assodium
bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate and sodium citrate
❖ Buffers in Ophthalmic preparations
To maintain the pH within the physiological pH range of the lacrimal fluid
✓ To adjust the pH to a value that is best with regard to the solubility and
stability of the drug and which tolerated by the eye
✓ To prevent discomfort and injury to the surface of the eye
✓ Example: borate, phosphate, and carbonate buffers
❖ Buffers in Parenteral preparations
✓ The ideal pH of a parenteral product is 7.4
✓ Because a highly alkaline pH (above 9) can cause tissue necrosis while an acidic
pH (below 3) can result in extreme pain at the site of injection
❖ Buffers in Parenteral preparations
✓ Buffers in parenteral preparations compromise between the stability and
solubility of medicament as well as the irritancy of the preparation.
✓ Buffers are usually added for adjusting the pH of the parenteral products to a
suitable value.
✓ Example: acetate, phosphate, citrate and glutamate buffers

❖ Buffers in Creams and Ointments

✓ Buffers are used to maintain the stability of the product, Because topical products
have a tendency to undergo change in pH during storage which may adversely affect
the stability of the drug.
✓ Example: citric acid and its salts or phosphoric acid and its salt

Buffered isotonic solution:

Isotonic buffered solution is defined as a solution which maintains the iso- tonicity
and the pHas that of the body fluids.
Isotonic buffer solution should be compatible with the body fluids for the following
reasons.
✓ Blood and lacrimal fluids are in vivo buffer systems. Any solution that comes in contact

with these fluids should be buffered to a desired pH, so that these are compatible with the
body fluids.
✓ Some solutions are meant for the application on delicate membranes of the body. Such

solutions may cause haemolysis, tissue irritation, necrosis and tissue toxicity. In such cases,
solutions must be just to the same osmotic pressure and tonicity as that of the body fluids.

Applications:
Isotonicity should be adjusted for several dosage forms.

1. Parenteral preparations should be isotonic with blood plasma. There can be some

flexibilitydepending on the route of administration and Quantity of solution to be injected.

✓ Intravenous infusions, irrigating solutions, lotions for open wound

✓ Subcutaneous injection.

✓ Parenteral preparations meant for diagnostic purposes, in order to avoid

false reaction
✓ Solutions meant for intrathecal injection, because the volume of CSF (Cerebro
Spinal Fluid) is only 60 to 80 mL. Hence, hence or hypotonic solutions though
in small volumes, will disturb the osmotic pressure and may cause vomiting
and other effects.
2. Aqueous solutions used as nasal drops.

3. Ophthalmic drops
 Preparation of Isotonic Buffer Solution:

1. The drug and other ingredients are dissolved in water.

2. The pH of the solution is determined and adjusted to the desired value.

3. The tonicity value of the solution is calculated procedures using standardprocedures.

4. The amount of sodium chloride required to adjust the tonicity is calculated.

5. The required amount of sodium chloride is added to the solution, so that the final

solutionbecomes isotonic.
6. Isotonic diluting solution is added for maintaining the drug concentration to the desired

level(dose).
7. If the pH is also needs to be maintained, then buffered isotonic diluting solution is

added tomake up the desired volume (dose).

Since the drug solution is already isotonic, any isotonic diluting solution
(electrolytes) can beused to dilute the solution.
Some of the isotonic diluting solutions are: Isotonic sodium chloride solution,
Dextrose solution, Ringer solution etc.
The isotonic buffered diluting solutions are available in acidic, neutral andalkaline
range.

Isotonic buffered diluting solutions are:

✓ Isotonic sodium chloride solution USP

✓ Dextrose solution 5.0 %

✓ Ringer solution USP

 Osmosis - Osmotic Pressure:
Osmosis is defined as a process in which the solvent molecules pass through a
semipermeable membrane from a pure solvent to a solution or from a dilute solution to a
concentrated solution.
Experiment:
Consider a case in which a solution is confined in a membrane that is permeable to
solvent. When it is placed in a solvent, diffusion of solvent molecule is observed. This
phenomenon istermed as osmosis.

Figure 1: Demonstration of osmotic experiment

The semipermeable membranes (animal and vegetable) regulate the passage of

solvent molecules by electrostatic and chemical interactions. The process of osmosis
proceeds to equalize the concentration in contact with each other. Thus
equilibrium state is achieved. A semipermeable membrane is a barrier which selectively
permits the passage of solvent molecules, but not the solute molecules.

The experimental setup for demonstrating the osmosis experiment is shown in Fig-1.
Thistle tube has a wide opening at one end. A piece of untreated cellophane is stretched and
tied. The tube is partly filled with a concentrated solution of sucrose (a non-volatile
substance). The thistle tube is immersed in a beaker of water (Fig-1).
The diffusion of solvent molecules takes place in both directions. But more number
of water molecules passes from the beaker (escaping tendencies) through the semipermeable
membrane into the tube. This is an attempt to dilute the solute and rise the vapour pressure to
its original value. This process creates enough pressure to drive the sugar solution rise up in
the tube. At one point, the rise of solution in the tube stops, i.e. equilibrium is achieved.
At equilibrium: Hydrostatic pressure of the column of liquid is equal to flow of water
(osmotic pressure) causing the water to pass through the membrane and enters the tube.
Since vapour pressure of the solvent is higher than that of the solute, water molecules
diffuse.

Osmotic pressure:
Osmotic pressure may be defined as the hydrostatic pressure build up on the
solution, which just stops the osmosis of pure water into the solution through a
semipermeable membrane.
The external pressure may be adjusted so as to prevent the osmosis of pure water into
solution this provides another definition of osmotic pressure. Osmotic pressure may be defined
as the external pressure applied to the solution in order to stop the osmosis of solvent into
solution separated by a semipermeable membrane.

Applications:
✓ Osmotic pressure principles are used in the preparation of isotonic intravenous and
isotonic lacrimal fluids. Such solutions are compatible to body fluids and prevent
the damage of delicate biological membranes.
✓ In experimental physiology, the tissue is immersed in salt solutions, which are
isotonic. Otherwise, tissue gets damaged due to osmosis.
✓ A similar behaviour is observed with red blood cells (RBS).
✓ When the solutions are in contact with the cells or membranes, tonicity of the cells
may be altered, i.e. functions are altered. Based on this behaviour, solutions are
designated in different ways.
 Iso-osmotic Solutions:
✓ Iso-osmotic solutions are those osmotic pressure as that of the cell contents in
question, but the solute is solutions which produce the same permeable through the cell
membrane thereby altering the tone of the cell.
✓ Example of iso-osmotic solution is 1.8 % solution of urea. Iso- osmocity does not
necessarily mean isotonic.
✓ For example, 1.8 % solution of urea has the sameosmotic pressure as that of 0.9%
solution of sodium chloride, but former solution produces haemolysis due to
permeability of water.
✓ Therefore, 1.8% solution of urea is not isotonic, though iso-osmotic.
 Isotonic Solutions:
✓ Isotonic solutions are those solutions which produce the same osmotic pressure as
that of the cell contents in question, without net gain or loss of both solutions,
provided the cell membraneis impermeable to the solutes.
✓ Isotonic solutions are iso-osmotic as well as isotonic with the cells and membranes.
Some of the standard isotonic solutions are:
❖ 0.9% w/v Normal saline (sodium chloride) solution
❖ 5.0% w/v Dextrose solution
❖ 2.0% w/v Boric acid solution
✓ These solutions do not cause swelling or shrinking of tissues when applied.
Therefore, discomfort would not be caused when instilled into the eyes, nasal tract
and when injected intoblood or other body fluids.
✓ In the human body, different types of cell membranes are available. All are not
having same- level of permeability to a single substance.
✓ For example, red blood cell membrane and mucous lining of the eye are not the
same.
✓ Therefore, isotonic solutions of 0.9% w/v sodium chloride also need not necessarily
be isotonic with respect to all the living membranes, but many of them are roughly
isotonic.

Hypertonic Solutions:
✓ Hypertonic solutions are defined as those solutions containing the solute inhigher
concentration than that is required for isotonic solutions.
✓ Some hypertonic solutions are:
❖ 2.0% w/v Normal saline (sodium chloride) solution (concentration

> 0.9 % w/v).

❖ 10.0 % w/v Dextrose solution (concentration > 5.0% w/v).
 ❖ 3.0 % w/v Boric acid solution (concentration > 2.0% w/v).

✓ When red blood cells are suspended in a 2.0 % w/v solution of sodium chloride, the
water within the cells passes out through the cell membranes in an attempt to dilute
the surrounding salt solution.
✓ This process continues until the salt concentrations on both sides of the erythrocyte
membrane are equal.
✓ Thus outward passage of water causes the cells to shrink and becomes wrinkled or
crenated. Such a salt solution is said to be hypertonic with respect to blood.

Hypotonic Solution:
✓ Hypotonic solutions are defined as those solutions containing the Solute inlower
concentration than that is required for isotonic solutions
✓ Some hypotonic solutions are:
❖ 0.2% w/v Normal saline (sodium chloride) solution (concentration
<0.9 % w/v).

❖ 3.0% w/v Dextrose solution (concentration <5.0% w/v).

❖ 1.0% w/v Boric acid solution (concentration < 2.0 % w/v).

✓ When blood cells are suspended in a 0.2 % w/v solution of sodium chloride (or in
distilled water), water enters the blood cells causing them to swell and finally burst
with the liberation of haemoglobin.
✓ This process is known as haemolysis. Such a weak salt solution is said to be
hypotonic with respect to blood.
 Measurement of Tonicity
Isotonicity value is defined as the concentration of an aqueous sodium chloride
solution having same colligative properties as the solution in question.
Apart from sodium chloride, a number of chemicals and drugs are also included in
the formulations. These ingredients also contribute to the tonicity of the solution.
Therefore, methods are needed for verifying the tonicity and adjusting the tonicity.
Two methods are mentioned below.
Hemolytic method:
Red blood cells (RBCs) are suspended in various drug solutions and theswelling
of RBCs is observed bursting, shrinking and wrinkling of the blood cells.
In hypotonic solutions, oxyhemoglobin is released, which is in directproportion to
the number of cells hemolyzed.
❖ In hypertonic solutions, the cells shrink and become wrinkled or crenated
❖ In isotonic solutions, the cells do not change their morphology.This method is used
for the determination of isotonicity value.

Cryoscopic method or depression of freezing point:

Colligative properties of solutions are helpful in determining the isotonicity
values. Among them, freezing point depression is extensively applied.
Water has the freezing point of 0 °C.
When substances such as sodium chloride are added to water, the freezingpoint of
water decreases.
The depression of the freezing point (ΔTf) of blood and tears is 0.52 °C.
Therefore,the value of 0.9 % w/w NaCl solution should also be -0.52 °C.
Such a solution shows same osmotic pressure as that of the blood. Hence,the
functions of RBC and tissues do not alter.

Methods of adjusting the tonicity:

Normally, solution dosage forms contain drugs of desired dose and several excipients
needed for formulation. In order to render such solutions isotonic, sodium chloride,
dextrose, etc. are added. Several methods are available for adjusting the tonicity.
Osmotic pressure is not a readily measurable quantity, but freezing point depression
(another colligative property) is more easily measured.
Class I methods:
In this type, sodium chloride or other substances are added to the solution in
sufficient quantity to make it isotonic. Then the preparation is brought to its final volume
with an isotonic or a buffered isotonic diluting solution.
These methods are of two types:
❖ Cryoscopic method
❖ Sodium chloride equivalent method.
Class II methods:
In this type, water is added in sufficient quantity make the preparation isotonic. Then
the preparation is brought to its volume with an isotonic or a
buffered isotonic diluting solution.
These methods are of two types:
❖ White-Vincent method
❖ Sprowls method.

Cryoscopic Method of Adjusting the Tonicity:

Principle:
Water has the freezing point of 0 °C. Blood contains a number of substances such as
carbonic acid, carbonates, salts of phosphoric acid and hemoglobin. As a result, the
depressionin the freezing point of the blood is -0.52 °C.
When substances such as sodium chloride are added to water, the freezing point of
water decreases. The extent of depression in the freezing point depends on the
concentration of the added substance.
For example, sodium chloride at 1 % w v solution decreases the freezing pointof
water to - 0.58°. In order to make the drug solution isotonic, the freezing point depression
of the solution must be maintained at-0.52°.
Initially the drug solution is prepared whose depression in the freezing point (ΔTf) is
known. The remaining (ΔTf) value is adjusted by adding additional substances such as
sodium chloride.
For the purpose of calculate, the freezing point depression of a number of drugs are
determined experimentally or theoretically a concentration of 10 % w/v (or sometimes 0.5
% w/v). Similarly the freezing point depression values of 1 w/v solution of sodium chloride
and other general ingredients are also determined.

Derivation:
Freezing point depression (ΔTf) of blood is 0.52°C. Since the drug solution mustbe
isotonic, it must have ΔTf, same as that of the blood, i.e. ΔTf = 0.52°C.
 Total drug solution ΔTf = ΔTf of drug + ΔTf adjusting substance ---------- (1)
Freezing point depression (ΔTf) of the total drug solution = 0.52°C ΔTf value of the drug =
x *ΔTf of 1 % drug solution = d
Where,
x = drug concentration in the preparation, g/100 mL

ΔTf for adjusting solution = w * a

Where,
W = weight of the adjusting substance, g/100 mL
a = ΔTf of the adjusting substance (sodium chloride), 1% (=0.58)
For an isotonic solution, equation (1) is substituted by the terms mentioned above.
0.52° = d + wa The % w/v of adjusting substance needed
is:
W= (0.52-d)/a = (0.52-d)/0.58 --------- (2)
Equation (2) is valid, if 1 % drug solution is specified. For any given percentage strength of
medicament (PSM), equation (2) may be modified as:
W= [0.52- (PSM x d)]/ 0.58 ------------ (3)
Thus, the desired concentration of adjusting substance is calculated and added in
order to make the drug preparation isotonic with blood. Each solute exerts its effect on the
freezing point, although others are present.
Hence, if two or more substances are present, a sum of their freezing point
depression should be considered.

Advantage:
Determination of depression in the freezing point is much simpler and more
convenient.
 Sodium Chloride Equivalent Method:
Tonicic equivalent or sodium chloride equivalent method is used to adjust the
tonicity of pharmaceutical solutions.
Sodium chloride equivalent (D) of a drug is the amount of sodium chloride that is
equivalent to 1 g of the drug. In this definition, equivalent refers to sodium chloride
concentration having the same osmotic effect as that of the drug. In the absence of available
data, the E value of a new drug can be calculated from equation (4).
E= [17 X Liso]/M -------------- (4)
Where,
M = molecular mass, AMU
Liso = freezing point depression of the drug solution for showingisotonicity

Method:
The percent of sodium chloride required for adjusting isotonicity can be
calculated using equation (5).
PSA = 0.9 - (PSM E of medicament) ----------- (5)
Where,
PSM= Percent strength of medicament
PSA = Percent of sodium chloride for adjustment of isotonicity.
Equation (5) is used to calculate the amount of adjusting substance (sodium chloride)
required for making the solution isotonic. It is valid for 100 mL solution.