The properties of solid dispersions of indomethacin or phenylbutazone in polyethylene glycol

The effects of molecular weight of polyethylene glyeols (PEGs) on the dissolution rates and crystallinity of its solid dispersions with indoniethacin and phenylbutazone have been examined. The dissolution rates of both solid-dispersed drugs decreased as the molecular weight of PEG increased. The indoniethacin dissolution profiles were essentially linear using constant surface area disc methodology and a limiting dissolution rate of about 10.6 mg · min⁻¹ was observed. The phenylbutazone dissolution profiles were. however, generally linear-curvic usually giving lower release rates than the comparative indomethacin weight fractions. A limiting dissolution rate for the linear portions of the profiles was about 1.8 mg · min⁻¹. Infra-red spectra indicated that the differences between the two drugs could partly be explained on the basis of PEG crystallinity. Generally bands in the ranges 1100–1130 and 1200–1400 cm⁻¹ were poorly differentiated in indomethacin dispersions (PEG 1500, PEG 4000 and PEG 6000) but were better differentiated in phenylbutazone dispersions (PEG 4000, PEG 6000 and PEG 20,000). A greater proportion of amorphousness within the PEG moiety was predicted in indomethacin dispersions by the appearance of a new weak band at 1326 cm⁻¹ and by a decrease in intensity of the band at 845 cm⁻¹ at the expense of the peak at 960 cm⁻¹. The evidence was supported by differential scanning calorimetry. The heats of fusion were 44.7, 46.4, 47.2 and 39.5 cal · g⁻¹ for PEG 1500, PEG 4000, PEG 6000 and PEG 20.000 respectively. Heats of fusion for indomethacin dispersions (2, 5 and 10% drug) were generally lower than for the corresponding values for phenylbutazone dispersions-with the exception of PEG 20,000 dispersions. For example, values were obtained of 30.6 and 37.9 cal · g⁻¹ for PEG 1500 dispersions containing 10% indomethacin and phenylbutazone, respectively.     

酚试剂-分光光度法检测PVPK30和PVPVA64中的醛

目的建立检测PVPK30和PVPVA64中醛含量的酚试剂-分光光度法。方法取试样的水溶液,加酚试剂反应生成嗪,再加硫酸铁铵溶液,在酸性条件下,嗪被高铁离子氧化,生成蓝绿色稠合阳离子,在635nm波长处有吸收峰,用可见分光光度计测量吸光度。绘制乙醛标准溶液的标准曲线并据此计算试样中的醛。结果醛含量在0～44μg范围内（以乙醛为对照）与吸光度线性关系良好（R^2=0.9981）,回收率为93.60%～101.10%,PVPK30和PVPVA64的RSD分别为2.85%和1.35%（n=6）。结论与2005年版《中国药典（二部）》中的酸碱滴定法相比,所用方法具有较好的检出限、回收率和精密度,且能同时检测PVPVA64中的醛;与2001年版《欧洲药典》相比,该法检测对象更全面,所用试剂更经济、易购。     

Preparation, characterization and in vitro dissolution of aceclofenac-loaded PVP solid dispersions prepared by spray drying or rotary evaporation method

This study was conducted to enhance dissolution rate of aceclofenac (ACF) with extremely low solubility and high permeability (BCS class II) in water using poly vinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and sodium lauryl sulfate as carriers. Solid dispersions were prepared by spray drying method and rotary evaporation method using different ratios of ACF and polymers. The characterization of solid dispersions was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffractometer. The dissolution behavior of solid dispersions was compared with pure ACF (API) and Airtal^® (Deawoong, Co, Korea) as control groups in simulated phosphate buffer at pH 6.8. The dissolution rate of the drug was affected by nature and amount of polymer used. The prepared solid dispersion of ACF/PVP (1:5) appeared to have the highest dissolution rate. Therefore, solid dispersion techniques of spray drying and rotary evaporation method can be successfully used for the enhancement of the dissolution rate of ACF.     

Mechanisms of dissolution of frusemide/PVP solid dispersions

With a discriminating intrinsic dissolution apparatus the dissolution rates and profiles of frusemide-polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) mix and solid dispersion systems (10–100% w/w frusemide) have been examined together with scanning electron photomicrographs (SEM) of the dissolution surfaces of compressed discs before and after dissolution. Solid dispersion systems exhibited higher dissolution rates than corresponding mixes and untreated frusemide. The peak intrinsic dissolution rate, found for both mix and dispersion systems containing 40% w/w frusemide, was attributed to a balance of two opposing factors. In mix systems a dissolution-promoting effect of soluble complex formation with PVP is balanced by a viscosity-related retarding effect of increasing PVP content in the diffusion layer. In dispersion systems a large dissolution-promoting effect of the X-ray amorphous state of the drug at the 40% drug level produces a highly supersaturated diffusion layer demonstrated in time/solubility profiles which is also balanced by the increasing PVP content in the diffusion layer. These findings were further supported by the observed dependence of the dissolution rate on the molecular weight and related solution viscosity of the PVP used to form the X-ray amorphous solid dispersion and mechanical mix, in high polymer content systems. In addition, a filming effect over dissolved compact faces shown by SEM, when the drug level was 40% w/w or less was attributed to a PVP layer covering the dissolving face and the change from a crystalline drug-controlled dissolution mechanism to a polymer controlled system.     

Preparation, characterization and in vivo evaluation of ibuprofen binary solid dispersions with poloxamer 188

Ibuprofen-Poloxamer 188 (P 188) binary solid dispersions (SD) with different drug loadings were prepared, characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and evaluated for solubility, in vitro release, and oral bioavailability of ibuprofen in rats. Loss of their individual surface properties during melting and solidification as revealed by SEM micrographs indicated the formation of effective SDs. Absence or shifting towards the lower melting temperature of the drug peak in SDs and physical mixtures in DSC study indicated the possibilities of its interactions with P 188. However, no such interactions in the solid state were confirmed by FTIR spectra which showed the presence of drug crystalline in SDs. Immediate and complete release of ibuprofen from SDs might be because of the reduction in the drug crystalline due to eutectic formation, and their dosing to fasted rats resulted in a significant increase in the area under curve (AUC) of the plasma concentration versus time curve and the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), and a significant decrease in the time to reach Cmax (Tmax) over ibuprofen and physical mixtures.     

Physicochemical characterization and in vitro dissolution studies of solid dispersions of ketoprofen with PVP K30 and d-mannitol

Aim of the present study was to improve the solubility and dissolution rate of poorly water soluble, BCS class-II drug Ketoprofen (KETO) by solid-dispersion approach. Solid dispersions were prepared by using polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP K30) and d-mannitol in different drugs to carrier ratios. Dispersions with PVP K30 were prepared by kneading and solvent evaporation techniques, whereas solid dispersions containing d-mannitol were prepared by kneading and melting techniques. These formulations were characterized in the liquid state by phase-solubility studies and in the solid state by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The aqueous solubility of KETO was favored by the presence of both carriers. The negative values of Gibbs free energy illustrate the spontaneous transfer from pure water to the aqueous polymer environment. Solid state characterization indicated KETO was present as fine particles in d-mannitol solid dispersions and entrapped in carrier matrix of PVP K30 solid dispersions. In contrast to the very slow dissolution rate of pure KETO, dispersions of drug in carriers considerably improved the dissolution rate. This can be attributed to increased wettability and dispersibility, as well as decreased crystallinity and increase in amorphous fraction of drug. Solid dispersions prepared with PVP K30 showed the highest improvement in dissolution rate of KETO. Even physical mixtures of KETO prepared with both carriers also showed better dissolution profiles than those of pure KETO.     

Preparation,characterization and dissolution studies of fast release diclofenac sodium tablets from PVP solid dispersions

Diclofenac sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug widely used in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In this context, a rapid onset of action is required. Thus, the aim of this study was to formulate diclofenac sodium-PVP K-30 fast release tablets from solid dispersions. The physical state and drug:carrier interactions were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy and stability upon storage was also studied. Dissolution rate of diclofenac sodium from solid dispersions was markedly enhanced by increasing the polymer concentration.     

洛伐他汀固体分散体的制备及体外溶出特性比较

目的：利用固体分散技术制备洛伐他汀固体分散体，增加其溶出速率。方法：以不同比例的聚乙烯吡咯烷酮（PVPk-30）、聚乙二醇6000（PEG6000）为载体，采用溶剂法和熔融法制成洛伐他汀固体分散体，测定其溶出速率，并采用差示扫描量热（DSC）法、显微照相技术鉴别药物在固体分散体中的存在状态。结果：两种固体分散体均能提高洛伐他汀溶出速率，在药物载体比例大于1：5时效果较好；洛伐他汀固体分散体中晶型消失，分散在载体中。载体为PVPK30所制固体分散体的溶出速率总体优于载体PEG6000。结论：固体分散体能加速洛伐他汀溶出速率。     

Solid-state characterization of nifedipine solid dispersions

The purpose of this study is to characterize the nature and solid-state properties of a solid dispersion system of nifedipine (33.3% w/w) in a polymer matrix consisting of Pluronic F68 (33.3% w/w) and Gelucire 50/13 (33.3% w/w). The nature of nifedipine dispersed in the matrix was studied by powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). The rate and extent of water uptake of the solid dispersion were determined by weight gain. The dissolution rate of nifedipine solid dispersion was determined using Apparatus 2 of USP XXIII (1995). Quantitative PXRD showed that the saturation solubility of nifedipine in the polymer matrix is 2.1-3.0% w/w and indicated an excess of crystalline nifedipine in the solid dispersion. The maximum water uptake by the solid dispersion exposed to 75% RH at 45 degrees C was 3.3 times higher than for the dispersion exposed to 65% RH at 25 degrees C. Over 8 weeks, PXRD and DRIFTS of the nifedipine matrix stored at 25 or 4 degrees C were unchanged, showing constancy of crystallinity and intermolecular interactions. For a given mass of nifedipine (20 mg) and for a given particle size of nifedipine (<850 microm), the initial release rate of nifedipine from the solid dispersion was faster (46.2% of the nifedipine dissolved in 20 min) than that of the pure drug (1.2% of the nifedipine dissolved in 20 min). The results indicate that the nifedipine solid dispersion is physically stable over 8 weeks. Nifedipine is released faster from the solid dispersion than from the pure crystalline drug of the same particle size.     

Effect of ageing on the release of indomethacin from solid dispersions with Eudragits

The effect of ageing on the release of indomethacin from coprecipitates with Eudragit RS, Eudragit E and blends of these polymers was studied. DSC thermograms were carried out to control the glass transition temperature (T_g) of polymers and the physical state of indomethacin after 2 and 3 years of storage in closed containers at room temperature. The rotating disk method was used on compressed powders in order to test drug release under controlled conditions. Data treatments were carried out in order to verify modifications in the diffusion coefficient and mechanism of drug release. Results indicated that, for all the systems investigated, randomness was reduced within the polymeric network during storage, and this observation was confirmed by the appearance of a peak at the polymeric T_g. The drug diffusion coefficient from Eudragit RS was not influenced by storage, while, in the case of Eudragit E and a blend of polymers, a significant reduction of the diffusion coefficient was noticed after 3 years, probably due to an interaction between the drug and Eudragit E.     

New binary solid dispersion of indomethacin with surfactant polymer: From physical characterization to in vitro dissolution enhancement

This article investigated preparation of solid dispersions containing a poor water-soluble drug, indomethacin (IND), and a new surfactant polymer, polyoxyethylene 32 distearate (POED). Solid dispersions were prepared by the melting method and characterized by DSC, hot-stage microscopy (HSM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). DSC and HSM analyses performed on IND/POED physical mixtures indicated that IND could dissolve in liquid POED. The materials showed complete miscibility at liquid state. Combination of DSC, XRD, and SEM revealed that these materials had limited miscibility at the solid state. Up to 20% w/w IND in POED, we did not detect significant modification of physical properties of the polymer. It supports the formation of a solid solution of IND in solid POED. Above 20% w/w, the solid dispersions presented particular behavior upon heating (recrystallization of IND) and at the solid state (presence of some IND crystallites). Under 3-month storage at 25°C/53% RH, the solid dispersions demonstrated a good stability of the samples. Finally, in vitro dissolution studies showed that IND release was greatly improved (5.5–12 times as fast) by formation of solid dispersion. This enhancement was principally attributed to the high dispersion of IND in POED and to the polymer surfactant properties. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 99: 1399–1413, 2010     

An improvement in physicochemical properties of carvedilol through spherically agglomerated solid dispersions with PVP K30

Spherically agglomerated solid dispersions of carvedilol (CAR) were prepared with polyvinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP) using acetone, water and dichloromethane as solvent, non-solvent and bridging liquid, respectively. The prepared agglomerates were evaluated for its percentage yield, drug content, morphology, thermal behavior, micromeritic properties, aqueous solubility and in vitro drug release. Differential scanning calorimetric and powder X-ray diffraction studies confirm that formulation process altered the crystalline nature of carvedilol. The recrystallized agglomerates exhibited significant increase (p < 0.05) in micromeritic properties than untreated carvedilol. Solubility and in vitro drug release studies indicated that the spherical agglomerates showed significant increase (p < 0.05) in solubility and dissolution rate than pure carvedilol alone.     

Enhanced dissolution rate of celecoxib using PVP and/or HPMC-based solid dispersions prepared by spray drying method

Celecoxib with low solubility and high permeability (BCS class II) in water is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used in the treatment of pain and inflammation, associated with rheumatoid arthritis, and several other inflammatory disorders. Also, it is a selective cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor with low water solubility and high crystallinity. The objective of this study was to improve dissolution rate of celecoxib which was water-insoluble drug. Solid dispersions were prepared by spray drying as the solvent evaporation method. The dissolution behavior of solid dispersions was compared with Celebrex^® (Pfizer) as a control group in simulated gastric juice (pH 1.2, 0.5 % SLS. The characterization of the prepared solid dispersions is analyzed by scanning electron microscope, powder X-ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography The best formulation was SD 8 in this study. It was the cumulative release of 97 % at 120 min. This study suggests that the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble celecoxib improved through the prepared solid dispersions by spray drying method.     

Raman and thermal analysis of indomethacin/PVP solid dispersion enteric microparticles

Indomethacin (IMC) and three types of poly-(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP 12PF, PVP K30 and PVP K90) were studied in the form of solid dispersion, prepared with the solvent evaporation method, by spectroscopic (Raman, FT-IR, X-ray diffraction), thermal (differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, hot-stage microscopy), fractal and image analysis. Raman and FT-IR micro-spectroscopy indicated the occurrence of drug/polymer interaction and the presence of an amorphous form of IMC, as also resulting from X-ray diffractometry. Hot-stage microscopy suggested that the interaction between IMC and the polymer occurring on heating of a physical mixture, is common to other acidic compounds and causes a depression of the temperature of the appearance of a molten phase. Co-evaporated particles were coated by spray-congealing process with molten stearic acid for gastroprotection, but also for stabilization of the amorphous structure of the drug: the final particles were spherically shaped. Dissolution tests carried out on the final microparticles showed that the coating with stearic acid prevents IMC release at acidic pH and also protects against recovery of the IMC crystallinity, at least after 9 months of aging: the extent and mode of the release, before and after aging, overlap perfectly. The test revealed a notable improvement of the drug release rate from the solid dispersion at suitable pH, with respect to pure IMC. The comparison of the present solid dispersion with IMC/PVP (surface) solid dispersion obtained by freeze-drying of an aqueous suspension, where IMC maintained its crystalline state, revealed that there was no difference concerning the release rate, but suggested a superior quality of this last process as a mean of improving IMC availability for the easiness of preparation and stability, due to the absence of the amorphous state of the drug, as a possible instability source of the system. Finally, the coating with stearic acid is discussed as a determining process for the practical application of solid dispersions.     

Phase behaviour analysis of solid dispersions of loperamide and two structurally related compounds with the polymers PVP-K30 and PVP-VA64

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of the structure of a poorly water soluble model drug (loperamide) on the phase behaviour in solid dispersions with PVP-K30. Dispersions with PVP-VA64, a less hydrophilic polymer, were investigated as well in order to study the influence of differences in polymer structure and water content of the samples. The solid dispersions of PVP-K30 or PVP-VA64 with loperamide as well as with two fragments of this molecule were prepared by spray drying. The amount of residual solvents and water was determined with GC and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The drug loading of the dispersions was determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The solid state properties were evaluated using powder-XRD, IR-spectroscopy and MT-DSC. All mixtures containing loperamide proved to be completely amorphous, whereas the dispersions containing the fragments are only amorphous in case the polymer content is high. The phase diagrams that were constructed clearly show that loperamide exhibits a different behaviour in the solid dispersions than its two building blocks. They also point to the presence of specific intermolecular compound–polymer interactions in the dispersions of one of the fragments with the two polymers. This was confirmed by the IR-results. Despite structural similarities, interactions in dispersions containing loperamide are far less important. In dispersions containing high concentrations of the other fragment, the DSC curves give indications for polymorphism whereas IR and XRD-spectra point towards inclusion of solvent in these samples.     

Preparation, characterization and evaluation of coenzyme Q10 binary solid dispersions for enhanced solubility and dissolution

Phase solubility behavior of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) at 25 degrees C in various molar solutions of poloxamer 188 (P188) in water was observed and their binary solid dispersions (BSD) at different weight ratios were prepared by a simple, rapid, cost effective, uncomplicated and potentially scalable low temperature melting method. BSDs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and evaluated for improved solubility at 25 degrees C and 37 degrees C and in-vitro release of CoQ10 at 37 degrees C in distilled water. Solubility of CoQ10 increased with increasing concentrations of P188 in water. Gibbs free energy (deltaG(o)tr) values were all negative indicating the spontaneous nature of CoQ10 solubilization and decreased with increasing concentration of P188 demonstrating that the reaction conditions became more favorable as the concentration of P188 increased. DSC and SEM analysis indicated that the homogeneity of dispersion was not at the molecular level. However, BSDs exhibited a remarkably improved aqueous solubility and dissolution of CoQ10.     

Phase equilibria and stability characteristics of chlorpropamide-urea solid dispersions

Physical mixtures and melts of various compositions of chlorpropamide and urea have been prepared. The phase diagrams and the effects of ageing of the systems have been measured by differential scanning calorimetry. The eutectic composition was found to contain 89% w/w chlorpropamide. Greater concentrations of chlorpropamide produced solid solutions of urea in chlorpropamide, whereas solid solution formation did not occur at compositions less than 89%. Melts in the range 50–100% chlorpropamide, which included the eutectic, existed as glass solids. The effect of ageing produced generally an increase in the liquidus peak temperature which was considered to be due to a gradual increase in crystal size.     

Preparation and characterization of metoprolol controlled-release solid dispersions

In recent years, great attention has been paid to using solid dispersions to make sustained-release drugs. The objective of this study is to produce sustained-release systems of metoprolol tartrate using solid dispersion techniques and to evaluate their physicochemical characteristics. The solid dispersions were produced by melting and solvent methods, containing 7%, 15%, or 25% of the drug and different ratios of Eudragit RLPO and RSPO in ratios of 0:10, 3:7, 5:5, 7:3, and 10:0. Drug release profiles were determined by USP XXIII rotating paddle method in phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.8). XRD, DSC, IR, and microscopic observations were performed to evaluate the physical characteristics of solid dispersions. Results showed that the drug release from dispersions was at a slower rate than pure drug and physical mixtures. Moreover, the formulations containing greater ratios of Eudragit RSPO showed slower release rates and smaller DE_8% but larger mean dissolution time than those containing greater ratios of Eudragit RLPO. Dispersions with particle size of less than 100 μm containing 7% of metoprolol and Eudragit RL:RS 5:5 (solvent method) and those with the ratio of 3:7 (melting method) had similar release pattern to Lopressor® sustained-release tablets by zero-order and Higuchi kinetics, respectively.     

Preparation and characterization of solid dispersions of Quercetin with PEG4000

Objective To enhance the solubility,quicken the speed of digesting and absorption,and increase the bioavailability of quercetin(3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone).Methods A series of Quercetin-PEG4000 solid dispersions were prepared by fusion method.The configuration and property of solid dispersion were characterized by solubility tests,dissolution tests,FTIR spectra,differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)and microphotograph.Results 1.According to solubility tests the the mass ratio of quercetin to PEG4000 affected strongly on the solubility of solid dispersions,on the whole,the relation of the solubility of solid dispersions to the mass ratio presented linear relationship.The preparation temperature had little effect on the solubility of solid dispersions.The surface-active agent,polysorbate80 increased strongly the solubility of solid dispersions.2.According to the dissolution tests,the mass ratio of quercetin to PEG4000 affected strongly on the dissolution of solid dispersions,the preparation temperature had little effect on the dissolution of solid dispersions.The surface-active agent,polysorbate80 increased strongly the dissolution of solid dispersions,and after addition polysorbate80,the dissolution of solid dispersions was two times of the dissolution of solid dispersions without polysorbate80.3.According to the DSC results,except that a little of quercetin molecular existed as crystalline state in the solid dispersion with the mass ratio was qu:PEG=1:2,quercetin existed as amorphous phase in other mass ratio solid dispersion.4.According to the FTIR spectra and microphotograph results,the relation of quercetin and PEG4000 was mainly physical mixing in quercetin-PEG4000 solid dispersion.Quercetin was just like solute in solution,and PEG4000 was just like solvent in solution.The force between quercetin and PEG4000 was mainly hydrogen bonding,so the biological activity of quercetin would not be influenced greatly after the formation solid dispersion.Conclusions These results suggest that quercetin existed mainly as amorphous phase in solid dispersion;the solubility and the dissolution in water were increased obviously after formation the solid dispersion.     

Solid state properties of pure UC-781 and solid dispersions with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30)

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the physical structure of solid dispersions of the antiviral agent UC-781 (N-[4-chloro-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyloxy)phenyl]-2-methyl-3-furancarbothioamide) with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30). Solid dispersions were prepared by coevaporating UC-781 with PVP K30 from dichloromethane. The physicochemical properties of the dispersions were evaluated in comparison with the physical mixtures by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction, and FT-IR spectroscopy. We investigated the single crystal structure of pure UC-781. The data from single crystal analysis showed that UC-781 crystallized with orthorhombic symmetry in the space group Pcab. Its cell parameters were found to be; a = 8.1556(7) A,b = 17.658(2) A and c = 23.609(2) A; the unit cell was made up of eight molecules of UC-781. The molecules formed intermolecular hydrogen bonds between NH and thio groups, and were packed in a herringbone-like structure. The data from X-ray powder diffraction showed that crystalline UC-781 was changed into the amorphous state by co-evaporating it with PVP K30. From differential scanning calorimetry analysis, UC-781 peaks were observed in the DSC curves of all physical mixtures, while no peaks corresponding to the drug could be observed in the solid dispersions with the same drug composition up to the concentration of 50% w/w. The data from FT-IR spectroscopy showed the distortions and disappearance of some bands from the drug, while other bands were too broad or significantly less intense compared with the physical mixtures of the crystalline drug in PVP K30. Furthermore, the results from IR spectroscopy demonstrated that UC-781 interacted with PVP K30 in solid dispersions through intermolecular H-bonding.