What is percent ionization?

The percent ionization is the amount or percentage of a weak acid that exists as ions in a particular concentration. Strong acids and bases isolate altogether into ions in a solution, while weak acids and bases do not.

Percent ionization has important applications in chemistry. Drug absorption rates can be calculated and appropriate doses can be given according to ionization. The ionization rate also affects how a drug should be given and if a dosage affects the fetus of a pregnant woman. Non-ionized lipids are well-absorbed through cell membranes, while ionized or water-soluble medication is poorly absorbed via oral ingestion.