Partition coefficient meaning

Partition coefficient is a measure of how a compound distributes between two immiscible phases.


Partition coefficient definitions

Word backwards noititrap tneiciffeoc
Part of speech noun
Syllabic division par-ti-tion co-ef-fi-cient
Plural The plural of partition coefficient is partition coefficients.
Total letters 20
Vogais (4) a,i,o,e
Consonants (6) p,r,t,n,c,f

Partition coefficient is a fundamental concept in chemistry and pharmacology that refers to the distribution of a compound between two immiscible phases, typically a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic one.

It is represented by the ratio of concentrations of a compound in each phase when in equilibrium, and is a crucial parameter in fields such as drug design, environmental science, and chemical analysis.

Key Factors

The partition coefficient of a compound is influenced by various factors, including the pH of the system, the nature of the solvents, and the temperature at which the distribution is measured.

Importance in Drug Development

In drug development, the partition coefficient is used to predict how a drug will distribute within the body and its ability to cross biological membranes, such as the blood-brain barrier. This information is vital in determining the dosage and efficacy of a drug.

Measurement Techniques

Several methods are employed to determine the partition coefficient of a compound, including shake-flask method, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and computational simulations using software programs.

Overall, understanding the partition coefficient of a compound is essential in various scientific disciplines, shaping research, development, and analysis processes.


Partition coefficient Examples

  1. Calculating the partition coefficient of a compound is crucial in drug discovery.
  2. The partition coefficient influences the distribution of a chemical between two phases.
  3. Researchers use the partition coefficient to predict the behavior of a substance in a system.
  4. The partition coefficient can determine the effectiveness of a solvent in a extraction process.
  5. Understanding the partition coefficient is important in environmental studies to assess chemical mobility.
  6. The partition coefficient is used in analytical chemistry to quantify the distribution of a compound.
  7. In pharmaceuticals, the partition coefficient plays a role in drug formulation and bioavailability.
  8. Researchers investigate the partition coefficient to optimize separation techniques in chromatography.
  9. The partition coefficient is a key parameter in determining the efficiency of a chemical reaction.
  10. Understanding the partition coefficient can help improve the performance of materials in industrial processes.


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  • Updated 05/04/2024 - 11:19:55