Cambridge Secondary (7-9). Stage 8. MCE Science. Workbook - Unit 6: Chemical Reactivity - Question 21

It is possible for two solid products to form if the water is hot but not at boiling point. In such a case, the product is said to be an impure mixture. Quite a few reactions work like this. They do not form only the expected products — they also form unexpected or unwanted products.

In pairs, discuss why these types of reactions might be a problem for the pharmaceutical industry.