Chapter U4.12, Problem 4E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

LD₅₀ for saccharin is 14.2 g/kg. Whether 1 mol of aspartame is more toxic or 1 mol of saccharin needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

LD₅₀ means lethal dose in which 50 % cells are destroyed with a toxic substance.

Answer to Problem 4E

Aspartame is more toxic than saccharin.

Explanation of Solution

1 mole saccharin is 183.18 g. 1 mol of aspartame is 294.3 g.

Thus, out of 1 mol aspartame and 1 mol saccharin, 1 mol aspartame is more in weight.

LD₅₀ for saccharin is 14.2 g/kg whereas LD₅₀ for spartame is 10 mg/kg.

Thus, lower dose of aspartame is less as compared to saccharin.

Conclusion

Thus, 1 mol aspartame will be more toxic.