Partition coefficient
Partition coefficient
The partition coefficient, denoted by K, P, Kp or D, is the ratio of concentrations of a compound in a mixture of two immiscible phases at equilibrium. This ratio is therefore a measure of differential solubility of the compound in these two phases. The partition coefficient generally refers to the concentration ratio of un-ionized species of compound, since the ionized form is assumed not to cross the membrane barrier.
Definition[edit | edit source]
The partition coefficient, P, is defined as the ratio of the concentrations of a compound in the two phases of a mixture of two immiscible solvents at equilibrium.
P = [compound]_organic phase / [compound]_aqueous phase
Uses[edit | edit source]
Partition coefficients can be useful in estimating the distribution of drugs within the body. Drugs with a high partition coefficient are mainly distributed to fatty tissues and organs, while drugs with a low partition coefficient are mainly distributed to lean tissues and the blood.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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