Determining the Concentration of Potassium Permanganate in Hand Compounded Pills
This experiment was set to determine if the concentration of potassium permanganate, the simulated active ingredient in a pill, was consistent in each batch, when compounded with lactose, the filler. This was accomplished by compounding pills with a mortar and pestle, filling them by hand, and analyzing them with a spectrometer. Potassium permanganate, KMnO4, and lactose, C12H22O11, were compounded together, and the concentration of the active ingredient, was tested to see if it varied. Each pill was compounded at an equal ratio of 1.5 grams potassium permanganate to 1.5 grams lactose. Percent change in mass was used to compare the experimented mass recorded to the mass expected. The percent change in mass was bigger than the hypothesized value. This meant that the pills were not accurate nor consistent, showing that large-scale hand compounded pills could be dangerous. Failure to compound pills correctly can result in the death of those who take them. This research will inform consumers about the dangers of compounding and help promote a change to the current system.
Research Conducted By:
Ethan Fournier
Cousino High School
Matthew Lay
Sterling Heights High School
Warren Consolidated Schools