Acidifiers are substances added to food, animal feed, or other products to lower the pH, or increase the acidity. They have various functions, including preservation, flavor enhancement, and improving nutrient absorption. *** ## Functions and Applications ### Food and Beverages In food and beverage production, acidifiers like **citric acid**, **phosphoric acid**, and **lactic acid** are used to inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, extending shelf life. They also enhance flavor by providing a sour or tart taste, as seen in soft drinks, candies, and fermented foods. ### Animal Feed Acidifiers are a common additive in animal feed, especially for young animals like piglets and poultry. They are used to improve gut health by creating a more acidic environment, which can help to: * **Inhibit harmful bacteria** like *E. coli* and *Salmonella*. * **Improve digestion** by activating digestive enzymes. * **Enhance nutrient absorption**, particularly of minerals like calcium and phosphorus. *** ### Other Uses Acidifiers are also used in various industrial processes. In cleaning products, they can help to dissolve mineral deposits. In the pharmaceutical industry, they are used to control the pH of medications and formulations. They are also used in cosmetics and personal care products to adjust the pH and ensure stability.

1. ACIDIFIERS
By
Gulshan Athbhaiya
Assistant Professor,
YBN University, Ranchi

2. Gastrointestinal agents:
These are those agents or drugs which are used to treat gastrointestinal
disorders or diseases.
It involves various inorganic and organic drugs.
Eg: Acidifiers
Antacids
Gastrointestinal diseases occur in the gastrointestinal tract

4. • Excess of HCl: Hyperacidity, Ulcer, etc.
• Deficiency of HCl: Hypochlorhydria
Achlorhydria
• The intestine is involved in the absorption and movement of food and finally
secretes waste (stool) through the anus.
• Microbes can affect any part of GI tract, which is prevented by antimicrobial
agents.

5. Acidifiers
• These are those drugs or agents (inorganic substances) that are used to increase the metabolic
acidosis, i.e, to increase the acidity or gastric acid in the GI tract (stomach).
• These agents mainly work in two ways, either by decreasing the pH of the stomach or by
increasing the level of acid (production ↑se).
• Also known as acidifying agents
• These are used to treat achlorhydria or hypochlorydia
• Eg:
• Ammonium chloride and dil. HCl.
• Classification:
• Gastric acidifiers: Treat patients suffering from achlorhydria or hypochlorhydria and help to
restore the acidity of the stomach.
• Urinary acidifiers: control the pH of urine to treat urinary infections
• Systemic acidifiers: Control the pH of our body by neutralising the alkaline body fluids

6. 1. Ammonium chloride:
Mol. Formula: NH4Cl
Mol wt: 53.50g/mol
Method of preparation
• It is obtained when ammonia gas reacts with HCl, which is further dried by evaporation.
• NH3 + HCl → NH4Cl
• It can also be prepared by the reaction of ammonium gas liquors with lime, liberating ammonia,
which further reacts with HCl to form NH4Cl.
Properties:
• White or colourless crystalline/coarse powder
• Slightly hygroscopic, odourless inorganic salt with a cooling saline taste.
• Freely soluble in water
• Sparingly soluble in alcohol

8. Assay:

12. 2. Dil. HCl:
Mol. Formula: dil. HCl
Mol. Wt: 36.46g/mol
Method of preparation:
• It is prepared by reacting with sulphuric acid (H2SO4) with sodium chloride
(NaCl) and passing the liberated HCl through water
• NaCl + H2SO4 → HCl + NaHSO4
Properties:
• Clear, colourless and strong acidic solution
• Pungent odour
• Soluble with water and alcohol
• On reacting with H2O, it gives Cl-
ions

15. Thank You!