Why is the percentage yield always less than 100 % when cisplatin, a cancer drug, is synthesized? What problem does this create for manufacturers of the drug?

 

The percentage yield of cisplatin is lower than 100% due to the presence of isomeric impurities. During the process of synthesis, some isomers are formed. Some are reactive complexes that require the process to take more time to eliminate them. The existence of such substances may cause side effects when a drug is taken.  

Step-by-step explanation

The percent yield is often affected by the presence of impurities, incomplete reactions, experimental errors, spills, among others. If the percent yield is lower than expected, the drug manufacturer will incur extra costs and time in refining it. The presence of certain impurities, as stated above, may cause side-effects. These firms have to spend millions and billions in research on how to eliminate such elements. It is a challenge that is not only faced in the manufacturing of cisplatin but also in so many other drugs.