Table of Contents

Acknowledgement.............................................................................................................................2
Introduction.........................................................................................................................................3
Objective..............................................................................................................................................4
Theory...................................................................................................................................................4
ScientificExploration........................................................................................................................5
MaterialsRequired..........................................................................................................................5
Investigation of Toothpaste (Close Up)....................................................................................6
Investigation of Toothpaste (Colgate).......................................................................................7
Investigation of Toothpaste (Pepsodent).................................................................................8
Common Chemical Reactions Involved....................................................................................8
ComparativeInference Table...........................................................................................................9
Conclusion..........................................................................................................................................9
PrecautionsUndertaken ...............................................................................................................10
Bibliography......................................................................................................................................11
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to my
Chemistry teacher Mrs. BHAGAVATHI.V as well as my principal who
gave me this wonderful opportunity to do this Chemistry Investigatory
project on topic TOOTHPASTE ANALYSIS

Secondly, I would like to thank my family and friends for constantly

encouraging me and also helped me a lot for completing this project on
time and date and I could not have completed this project without their
support and continuous encouragement

Thirdly ,The opportunity to participate in this project has helped me lot to

improve my research skills and increases my knowledge about the topic
the project is a bridge between theoretical and practical learning and with
this mind set I completed this project

Last but not the least, I acknowledge my friends for their contribution in
this completion of the project

THANK YOU

Introduction
Toothpaste is an essential part of daily oral hygiene, used to maintain
clean teeth, fresh breath, and overall dental health. It plays a key role in
preventing cavities, reducing plaque, and promoting healthy gums.
However, not all toothpaste brands are the same. They differ in terms of
composition, formulation, and the specific chemicals they contain. The
ingredients in toothpaste, particularly the ions or radicals present, directly
affect its effectiveness in addressing specific dental issues, such as tooth
decay, enamel erosion, or sensitivity. This investigatory chemistry project
focuses on detecting the presence of acidic and basic radicals—
commonly referred to as anions and cations, respectively—in different
brands of toothpaste, and determining how their composition relates to
the product’s quality and effectiveness.
Acidic radicals (anions) and basic radicals (cations) are ions that
originate from acids and bases, respectively. In the context of
toothpaste, these ions contribute to the overall functionality of the
product. Acidic radicals, such as fluoride (F⁻), chloride (Cl⁻), sulphate
(SO₄²⁻), and phosphate (PO₄³⁻), are often derived from the active
ingredients of the toothpaste that serve specific purposes. For example,
fluoride ions are well-known for their ability to prevent dental cavities by
strengthening tooth enamel. Phosphate ions are used for
remineralization of enamel, while chloride ions contribute to the cleaning
action. On the other hand, basic radicals like calcium (Ca²⁺), sodium
(Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), and magnesium (Mg²⁺) also play a vital role in
toothpaste formulations. Calcium ions, for instance, help with enamel
repair, while potassium ions are commonly used to relieve tooth
sensitivity. The balance of these acidic and basic radicals is crucial to
ensuring that the toothpaste performs its intended function without
causing harm to the teeth or oral environment.
Understanding the role of these radicals in different toothpaste brands
allows for a deeper evaluation of their quality and effectiveness. This
project seeks to investigate whether popular toothpaste brands deliver on
their claims by identifying and comparing the acidic and basic radicals
they contain.

Objective
The of this investigatory chemistry project is to detect the
objective presence of acidic radicals (anions) and basic radicals
(cations) in various commercial brands of toothpaste. The
project will involve conducting a series of qualitative tests to
identify ions such as fluoride (F⁻), chloride (Cl⁻), sulphate
(SO₄²⁻), and phosphate (PO₄³⁻) as acidic radicals, along with
cations like calcium (Ca²⁺), Magnesium (Mg2⁺), and potassium
(K⁺). By determining the types and quantities of these radicals,
the project aims to assess how they contribute to the
toothpaste’s overall quality, effectiveness, and role in oral care.
The findings of this project will not only contribute to a better
understanding of the science behind toothpaste formulations
but also help consumers make informed decisions about which
brands offer the best protection for their oral health.

Theory
In qualitative analysis, the given compound is analyzed for the
radicals, that is, cations and anions that it contains. The
common procedure of testing an unknown salt is to make its
solution then test the solution for the ions present in it.Then
Preliminary tests such as colour, odour, dry heating, flame test
etc. are performed. These tests are common for all samples
under salt analysis. Further, there are separate procedures for
detecting cations and anions.

Identification of Acidic radicals (Anions)

After the preliminary tests are over with, to identify the anion, three
indicatory tests are carried out. They can be divided into three
categories each with separate group reagent. Therefore, anion may be
identified by performing the following tests in the order given. Dilute
Sulphuric acid test, Concentrated Sulphuric acid test and Independent
Group test. After an anion is indicated, confirmatory tests are carried out
corresponding to the anion.

Identification of Basic radicals (Cations)

To identify the cations, we have been using the flame test (a preliminary
test) for indication. Whichever cation is indicated, it is confirmed on the
basis of corresponding tests.

Scientific Exploration
Materials Required

Apparatus
▪ Test Tube
▪ Test Tube Stand
▪ Burner
▪ Beakers
▪ Flasks
▪ Glass Rod

Chemicals
▪ Magnesium Sulphate
▪ Acetic Acid
▪ Dilute Nitric Acid
▪ Oxalic Acid
▪ Ammonium Chloride
▪ Ammonium Hydroxide
▪ Disodium Phosphate
▪ Silver Nitrate
▪ Potassium Iodide

Toothpaste(s)
▪ Close Up
▪ Pepsodent
▪ Colgate
Investigation of Toothpaste (Close
Up)
Experiment Observation Inference

Colour of Paste Red Gel

Take a part of the Formation of white CO32-confirmed

solution and added precipitate
Magnesium Sulphate
solution

Take a part of the Formation of white Ca2+ confirmed

solution and to it added precipitate
acetic acid and
ammonium oxalate

Acidified a portion of Formation of yellow I-confirmed

aqueous solution with precipitate which is
dilute nitric acid. Boiled insoluble in NH4OH
and left to cool, then
added Silver Nitrate

Take a small portion of Smell of Vinegar CH3COO confirmed

solution and added
oxalic acid

To one part of the No reaction Pb2+ absent

solution added
Potassium Iodide

To one part of the No Change Mg2+absent

solution, add solid
Ammonium
Chloride and add
Ammonium Hydroxide
in slight excess. Then
add Disodium
Phosphate

Investigation of Toothpaste (Colgate)

Experiment Observation Inference

Colour of Paste White

Take a part of the Formation of white CO32-confirmed

solution and added precipitate
Magnesium Sulphate
solution

Take a part of the Formation of white Ca2+ confirmed

solution and to it added precipitate
acetic acid and
ammonium oxalate

Acidified a portion of Formation of yellow I-confirmed

aqueous solution with precipitate which is
dilute nitric acid. Boiled insoluble in NH4OH
and left to cool, then
added Silver Nitrate

Take a small portion of No characteristic smell CH3COO- absent

solution and added
oxalic acid

To one part of the No reaction Pb2+ absent

solution added
Potassium Iodide

To one part of the Formation of white Mg2+confirmed

solution, add solid precipitate
Ammonium
Chloride and add
Ammonium Hydroxide
in slight excess. Then
add Disodium
Phosphate
Investigation of Toothpaste
(Pepsodent)

Experiment Observation Inference

Colour of Paste White

Take a part of the Formation of white CO32-confirmed

solution and added precipitate
Magnesium Sulphate
solution

Take a part of the Formation of white Ca2+ confirmed

solution and to it added precipitate
acetic acid and
ammonium oxalate

Acidified a portion of Formation of yellow I-confirmed

aqueous solution with precipitate which is
dilute nitric acid. Boiled insoluble in NH4OH
and left to cool, then
added Silver Nitrate

Take a small portion of No characteristic smell CH3COO- absent

solution and added
oxalic acid

To one part of the No reaction Pb2+ absent

solution added
Potassium Iodide

To one part of the Formation of white Mg2+confirmed

solution, add solid precipitate
Ammonium
Chloride and add
Ammonium Hydroxide
in slight excess. Then
add Disodium
Phosphate
Common Chemical Reactions Involved
• CO3 +MgSO4 → MgCO3 + SO4 (White Ppt.)
• CaCl2 + (NH4)2C2O4 → CaC2O4 (White Ppt.) + 2NH4Cl
• I + AgNO3→ NO3 + AgI (Yellow ppt.)
• Pb + 2KI→ No Reaction
• MgCl2 + NH4OH+ Na2HPO4 → Mg (NH4) PO4 + 2NaCl +H2O

Comparative Inference Table

Toothpaste Ca2+ Mg2+ Pb2+ CH3COO- PO43- CO3 2- I-
Close Up Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Colgate Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes
Pepsodent Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes
Conclusion
Toothpastes generally have many different components. The tests conducted
for the three brands of toothpaste confirm presence of essential cations and
anions which contribute to the toothpaste’s effectiveness in promoting oral
health apart from specific radicals present in each of them. Desensitizing
toothpastes like Sensodyne have fluorides and nitrates. Herbal and medicinal
toothpastes have many natural ingredients for medicinal purposes.

Precautions Undertaken
• Handled all chemicals carefully
• Used Test tube holders to hold test tube •
Ensured throughout testing that no water is added
to concentrated acids
• Avoided touching chemicals with hands
directly • Used dropper for adding concentrated
acids • Avoided smelling vapours from very close
• Ensured test tube not brought near to eyes
Bibliography

o NCERT Chemistry

o Systematic Analysis of Anions

(https://byjus.com/chemistry/systematic-analysis-of-anions/

) o Salt Analysis (https://byjus.com/chemistry/salt-analysis/ )

o You Tube