What process involves reducing solids into fine particles using a mortar and pestle?

The process of reducing solids into fine particles using a mortar and pestle is known as trituration. Trituration involves grinding a solid substance into a fine powder, which increases its surface area and enhances its ability to dissolve or interact in a formulation. This technique is particularly important in pharmacy as it ensures that active pharmaceutical ingredients are finely divided, allowing for more uniformity in dosing and improved absorption when the medication is administered.

The mortar and pestle serve as traditional tools in trituration, providing the necessary mechanical action to break down the solid into finer particles. This method is often applied when preparing compounded medications, especially when precise dosing and efficacy are required.

In contrast, levigation refers specifically to the process of reducing particle size while mixing it with a liquid to create a more uniform, paste-like substance; mixing pertains to combining two or more substances without altering their individual properties; and homogenization involves creating a uniform mixture of two immiscible liquids, which is a different process entirely.