The effect of heat, pH and some buffer materials on the hydrolytic degradation of sulphacetamide in aqueous solution

Abstract

Abstract The hydrolytic degradation of sulphacetamide has been investigated under anoxic conditions over a wide range of pH values and at different temperatures. The sole breakdown product is sulphanilamide. The reaction is essentially independent of pH (measured at 25°) over the range 5 to 11, but is subject to catalysis by buffer constituents. Below pH 4 specific hydrogen ion catalysis occurs. Calculation of activation parameters leads to the conclusion that sulphacetamide solutions can be satisfactorily autoclaved provided they are not subsequently refrigerated.