Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
09:32
A New Straightforward Method for Lipophilicity (logP) Measurement using 19F NMR Spectroscopy
Published on: January 30, 2019
Solubility: it's not just for physical chemists.
Shobha N Bhattachar1, Laura A Deschenes, James A Wesley
1Research Formulations, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Global R&D, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA. shobha.bhattanar@pfizer.com
Drug Discovery Today
|October 24, 2006
Summary
Solubility data guides drug discovery decisions. Understanding fundamental forces, physical-chemical parameters like pH and pK(a), and measurement principles helps evaluate data context and appropriateness for drug development.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Solubility data is critical for drug discovery and development decisions.
- Decision-makers often lack the scientific background of data generators.
- Sophisticated solubility measurement strategies are increasingly common.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a reference for solubility data consumers.
- To explain fundamental forces governing solubility.
- To enable informed evaluation of solubility data's context and appropriateness.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of fundamental forces influencing solubility.
- Explanation of physical-chemical parameters (pH, pK(a)).
- Overview of principles behind various solubility measurement techniques.
Main Results:
- Provides a framework for understanding solubility data.
- Highlights the importance of context in data interpretation.
- Empowers non-specialists to critically assess solubility measurements.
Conclusions:
- Informed evaluation of solubility data requires understanding its underlying principles.
- Bridging the gap between data generators and consumers is essential.
- Appropriate use of solubility data enhances drug discovery and development outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
02:19Physical Properties Affecting Solubility
Solutions of Gases in Liquids
As for any solution, the solubility of a gas in a liquid is affected by the attractive intermolecular forces between solute and solvent species. Unlike solid and liquid solutes, however, there is no solute-solute intermolecular attraction to overcome when a gaseous solute dissolves in a liquid solvent since the atoms or molecules comprising a gas are far separated and experience negligible interactions. Consequently, solute-solvent interactions are the sole...
As for any solution, the solubility of a gas in a liquid is affected by the attractive intermolecular forces between solute and solvent species. Unlike solid and liquid solutes, however, there is no solute-solute intermolecular attraction to overcome when a gaseous solute dissolves in a liquid solvent since the atoms or molecules comprising a gas are far separated and experience negligible interactions. Consequently, solute-solvent interactions are the sole...
03:00Solubility
Solution, Solubility, and Solubility Equilibrium
A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of a solvent, the major component, and a solute, the minor component. The physical state of a solution—solid, liquid, or gas—is typically the same as that of the solvent. Solute concentrations are often described with qualitative terms such as dilute (of relatively low concentration) and concentrated (of relatively high concentration).
In a solution, the solute particles (molecules, atoms, and/or ions)...
A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of a solvent, the major component, and a solute, the minor component. The physical state of a solution—solid, liquid, or gas—is typically the same as that of the solvent. Solute concentrations are often described with qualitative terms such as dilute (of relatively low concentration) and concentrated (of relatively high concentration).
In a solution, the solute particles (molecules, atoms, and/or ions)...
01:09Solubility Equilibria: Overview
When a substance such as sodium chloride is added to water, it dissolves, forming an aqueous solution. The extent of dissolution is called solubility. The process of dissolution can exist in equilibrium, just like other chemical processes. Solubility equilibria are also called precipitation equilibria because the process of solubility can be reversible. The reverse of the solubility process is called precipitation.
Solubility is important in biological and environmental processes. A notable...
Solubility is important in biological and environmental processes. A notable...
01:23What is Physical Chemistry?
Physical chemistry is a branch of chemistry that studies the principles from physics underlying chemical reactions. It provides deep insights into the behaviors of molecules, the forces they experience, and their interactions and chemical reactions.The term "physical chemistry" was introduced by Mikhail Lomonosov in 1752. Since then, it has seen significant contributions from notable scientists such as Josiah Willard Gibbs, Wilhelm Ostwald, Jacobus Henricus van't Hoff, and Linus Pauling.Key...
02:21Chemical and Solubility Equilibria
The free energy change associated with dissolving a solute in a liter of solvent is called the free energy of a solution, ΔGsolution. The overall ΔGsolution is expressed as the balance of ΔGinteraction against the always-favorable free-energy of mixing, ΔGmixing. Solution formation is favorable if ΔGsolution is less than zero, whereas it is unfavorable if ΔGsolution is greater than zero. In short, for a solution to form and complete dissolution to take place, the Gibbs energy change must be...
03:07Solubility Equilibria
Solubility equilibria are established when the dissolution and precipitation of a solute species occur at equal rates. These equilibria underlie many natural and technological processes, ranging from tooth decay to water purification. An understanding of the factors affecting compound solubility is, therefore, essential to the effective management of these processes. This section applies previously introduced equilibrium concepts and tools to systems involving dissolution and precipitation.
The...
The...