4. pH Adjusters The pH levels of cooling water can significantly influence corrosion and scale. pH adjusters, such as sodium hydroxide or acetic acid, are used to maintain an optimal pH balance, typically between 7.0 and 8.5, to ensure that the treatment chemicals work effectively.
While active ingredients are vital, excipients also play a crucial role in pharmaceutical formulations. Excipients are inactive substances that serve various purposes, including aiding in the manufacturing process, enhancing stability, and improving bioavailability. They can include fillers, binders, preservatives, emulsifiers, and flavoring agents, among others. For instance, lactose and starch may be used as fillers in tablet formulations to achieve the desired bulk and shape.
The process of drug development involves multiple stages, including drug discovery, preclinical testing, and clinical trials. During the synthesis of a drug, researchers often create several intermediates before arriving at the final product. Each intermediate must be carefully characterized and evaluated for its stability, efficacy, and potential for further reaction. This stepwise approach allows chemists to optimize yields and purity, ultimately refining the synthesis process for the active drug.