Extended Hildebrand solubility approach: sulfonamides in binary and ternary solvents

The extended Hildebrand solubility approach is used to estimate the solubility of sulfonamides in binary and ternary solvent systems. The solubility of sulfisomidine in the binary solvent, dioxane-water, shows a bell-shaped profile with a solubility maximum well above the ideal solubility of the drug. This is attributed to solvation of the drug with the dioxane-water solvent, and indicates that the solute-solvent interaction energy (W) is larger than the geometric mean (delta 1 delta 2) of regular solution theory. The solubilities of sulfadiazine, sulfisomidine, sulfathiazole, and sulfamethoxazole were determined in mixtures of dimethylacetamide, glycerol, and water, and the solubility profiles were well reproduced by use of the extended Hildebrand solubility approach. Since the solubility parameter (delta 1 = 11) of the solvent (dimethylacetamide) was approximately equal to the solubility parameters of the sulfonamides, and because of the powerful solvating power of dimethylacetamide, the solubility profiles did not exhibit peaks as observed for sulfisomidine in dioxane-water. When sulfisomidine was dissolved in a ternary mixture, i.e., butyl acetate (delta 1 = 8.5), dimethylacetamide (delta 1 congruent to 11), and methanol (delta 1 = 14.5), a spike was produced in the solubility profile at the solubility parameter of dimethylacetamide. This sharply peaked profile suggests that the two branches be treated as separate solubility curves, which are then independently well reproduced by the extended Hildebrand solubility approach. None of the four sulfonamides yielded log-linear relationships in the ternary mixtures.     

Solubility and conversion of carbamazepine polymorphs in supercritical carbon dioxide.

The aim of this work was to investigate whether mixtures of carbamazepine polymorphs could be processed in supercritical (SC) CO(2) in order to obtain the pure stable crystalline phase. To accomplish this goal the solubility of carbamazepine polymorphs I and III in supercritical CO(2) was first assessed using a low solvent flux dynamic method. Mixtures of Form I and Form III were processed in dynamic or static conditions in SC-CO(2). Differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffractometry were used to analyse solid samples in terms of polymorph composition. It was found that Form I and Form III of carbamazepine have different solubility in supercritical CO(2) at 55 degrees C above 300 bar. Due to the transformation of the metastable form, conversion of Form I into Form III can be carried out on a binary mixture of the two polymorphs by treating the mixture at 55 degrees C and 350 bar, under both static and dynamic conditions, via its solubilization in supercritical CO(2).     

Determination of solubility profiles of eflucimibe polymorphs: experimental and modeling

This work presents the determination of the phase diagram of two polymorphs of Eflucimibe in pure solvents and solvent mixtures at different temperatures. Solid phase changes were analysed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry. Solubility measurements show that the solubility of the two forms are very similar. Experimental data obtained in ethanol, reported in a Van t'Hoff plot, exhibit a transition temperature around 265 K. A single maximum is observed when solubility is plotted against the solubility parameters of solvents or solvent mixture and it is not related to a solid phase change. This phenomenon, known as a positive synergetic effect, has been explained in term of evolution of solute-solvents polar interactions. Several thermodynamics models (UNIFAC, UNIQUAC, Wilson, Scatchard Hildebrand ... ) were tested in order to predict the Liquid-Solid Equilibrium for this system. The semi empirical model UNIQUAC gives the best fit. The results obtained are in good agreement with the experimental data (mean deviation lower than 5%) and the solubility maximum found experimentally for each polymorph is also well described.     

Thermodynamics of cosolvent action: phenacetin, salicylic acid and probenecid

The solubility of phenacetin, salicylic acid, and probenecid in ethanol-water and ethanol-ethyl acetate mixtures at several temperatures (15-40 degrees C) was measured. The solubility profiles are related to medium polarity changes. The apparent thermodynamic magnitudes and enthalpy-entropy relationships are related to the cosolvent action. Salicylic acid and probenecid show a single peak against the solubility parameter delta(1) of both solvent mixtures, at 40% (delta(1) = 21.70 MPa(1/2)) and 30% (delta(1) = 20.91 MPa(1/2)) ethanol in ethyl acetate, respectively. Phenacetin displays two peaks at 60% ethanol in ethyl acetate (23.30 MPa(1/2)) and 90% ethanol in water (delta(1) = 28.64 MPa(1/2)). The apparent enthalpies of solution display a maximum at 30% (phenacetin and salicylic acid) and 40% (probenecid) ethanol in water, respectively. Two different mechanisms, entropy at low ethanol ratios, and enthalpy at high ethanol ratios control the solubility enhancement in the aqueous mixture. In the nonaqueous mixture (ethanol-ethyl acetate) enthalpy is the driving force throughout the whole solvent composition for salicylic acid and phenacetin. For probenecid, the dominant mechanism shifts from entropy to enthalpy as the ethanol in ethyl acetate concentration increases. The enthalpy-entropy compensation plots corroborate the different mechanisms involved in the solubility enhancement by cosolvents.     

Predicting the Solubility of Drugs in Solvent Mixtures: Multiple Solubility Maxima and the Chameleonic Effect

Abstract— An approach to reproduce the solubility profile of a drug in several solvent mixtures showing two solubility maxima is proposed in this work. The solubility of sulphamethoxypyridazine was determined at 25°C in several mixtures of varying polarity (hexane: ethyl acetate, ethyl acetate:ethanol and ethanol: water). Sulphamethoxypyridazine was chosen as a model drug because of its proton-donor and proton-acceptor properties. A plot of the mole fraction of the drug vs the solubility parameter of the solvent mixtures shows two solubility peaks. The two peaks found for sulphamethoxypyridazine demonstrate the chameleonic effect as described by Hoy and suggest that the solute-solvent interaction does not vary uniformly from one mixture to another. The different behaviour of the drug in mixtures of two proton-donor and proton-acceptor solvents (alcohol and water), and in mixtures of one proton acceptor (ethyl acetate) and one proton donor-proton acceptor (ethanol) is rationalized in terms of differences in the proton donor-acceptor ability of the solvent mixtures. An approach based on the acidic and basic partial solubility parameters together with the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the solvent mixtures is developed to reproduce the experimental results quantitatively. The equation predicts the two solubility maxima as found experimentally, and the calculated values closely correspond to the experimental values through the range composition of the solvent mixtures. These results show that the chameleonic effect can be described in a quantitative way in terms of Lewis acid-base interactions; this approach can assist the product formulator to choose the proper solvent mixture for a new drug. A good solvent blend should result in a solubility parameter close to that of the drug; the acidic and basic partial solubility parameter values should provide maximum acid-base interaction of the mixed solvent with the drug. The failure in one of these conditions results in decreased solubility. Solubility parameters as well as the acidic and basic parameters are tabulated or they can be obtained from group contribution methods, making easier the evaluation of the best solvent mixture for a drug.     

Thermodynamic origin of the solubility profile of drugs showing one or two maxima against the polarity of aqueous and nonaqueous mixtures: niflumic acid and caffeine

The purpose of this work was to investigate the origin of the different solubility profiles of drugs against the polarity of solvent mixtures with a common cosolvent. Niflumic acid and caffeine where chosen as model drugs. The solubilities were measured at five or six temperatures in aqueous (ethanol-water) and nonaqueous (ethyl acetate-ethanol) mixtures. The enthalpies of solution were obtained at the harmonic mean of the experimental temperature. Solid phase changes were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry and thermomicroscopy. A single solubility maximum was obtained for niflumic acid against the solubility parameter of both mixtures that is not related to solid phase changes. In contrast, caffeine displays two maxima and anhydrous-hydrate transition occurs at the solubility peak in the amphiprotic mixture. The apparent enthalpies of solution of both drugs show endothermic maxima against solvent composition that are related to hydrophobic hydration. A general explanation for the cosolvent action in aqueous mixtures is proposed. The dominant mechanism shifts from entropy to enthalpy at a certain cosolvent ratio dependent on the hydrophobicity and the solubility parameter of the drug. Niflumic acid and caffeine show enthalpy-entropy compensation in ethanol-water, and this relationship is demonstrated for the first time in nonaqueous mixtures. The results support that enthalpy-entropy compensation is a general effect for the solubility of drugs in solvent mixtures. The shape of the solubility curves is correlated with the compensation plots. The solubility peaks separate different enthalpy-entropy relationships that also differentiate the solubility behavior of the hydrate and the anhydrous forms of caffeine.     

Characterization of two polymorphs of lornoxicam

Objectives The aim of the study was to prepare and to characterize two polymorphs of lornoxicam, a water‐insoluble non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, which has thus far received no exploration of its polymorphs. Methods Form I and form II of lornoxicam were prepared by recrystallization and characterized by X‐ray powder diffractometry (XRPD), thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The solubility and dissolution of both polymorphs were also determined and compared to provide the basis for polymorph selection in formulation. Key findings The crystal structures of the two polymorphs were established by the experimental XRPD patterns. Form I was demonstrated to be triclinic with two kinds of intermolecular hydrogen bonds, while form II was orthorhombic with two kinds of intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The morphologies of form I and form II were observed to be rectangle and approximately oval, respectively. Conclusions Form II had the significantly higher solubility and dissolution and would be the suitable polymorph for the preparation of oral and injectable dosage forms of lornoxicam.     

Polymorph screening: influence of solvents on the rate of solvent-mediated polymorphic transformation.

Solvent-mediated polymorphic transformation is an efficient technique to obtain the most stable polymorph. The rate of solvent-mediated polymorphic transformation of sulfamerazine at 24 degrees C in various solvents and solvent mixtures is controlled by the nucleation rate of the more stable Form II. The transformation rate is generally higher in the solvent giving a higher solubility and is low in the solvent giving a low solubility (8 mmol/L). In these solvents, because of a high interfacial energy, the metastable zone may be wider than the solubility difference between two polymorphs, such that the critical free energy barrier for nucleation cannot be overcome. In addition to the solubility, the strength of the solvent-solute interactions is also important in determining the transformation rate. For sulfamerazine, the transformation rate is lower in the solvent with a stronger hydrogen bond acceptor propensity. Because solubility is higher in the solvent with stronger hydrogen bond acceptor propensity, the balance of solubility and strength of hydrogen bonding interactions between the solute and solvent molecules determines the polymorphic transformation rate. Degree of agitation and temperature also change the polymorphic transformation rate by influencing the crystallization kinetics of the more stable polymorph.     

Stable-form screening: overcoming trace impurities that inhibit solution-mediated phase transformation to the stable polymorph of sulfamerazine

Solution-mediated phase transformation (SMPT) has been used as a focused technique to rapidly identify the stable polymorph of a given substance. Despite ample precedence for acetonitrile being a good solvent for SMPT of sulfamerazine (SMZ), samples from specific lots of SMZ failed to convert from Form I to Form II after suspension for 2 weeks in acetonitrile. In these lots, an acetyl derivative of SMZ was identified and shown to impede transformation to the stable polymorph. The inhibitory effect of this impurity on polymorphic conversion was overcome with practical adjustments to experimental procedure, which hastened the kinetics of SMPT. The critical factors considered were (1) modifying the solvent to increase solubility, (2) minimizing the level of impurity in the slurries, (3) pre-treatment of the solid to quickly reach maximum supersaturation, and (4) temperatures that optimized kinetics as well as the free energy difference between enantiotropically related polymorphs.     

Extended hildebrand solubility approach: satranidazole in mixtures of dioxane and water

The extended Hildebrand solubility parameter approach is used to estimate the solubility of satranidazole in binary solvent systems. The solubility of satranidazole in various dioxane-water mixtures was analyzed in terms of solute-solvent interactions using a modified version of Hildebrand-Scatchard treatment for regular solutions. The solubility of satranidazole in the binary solvent, dioxane-water shows a bell-shaped profile with a solubility maximum well above the ideal solubility of the drug. This is attributed to solvation of the drug with the dioxane-water mixture, and indicates that the solute-solvent interaction energy is larger than the geometric mean (δ(1)δ(2)) of regular solution theory. The new approach provides an accurate prediction of solubility once the interaction energy is obtained. In this case, the energy term is regressed against a polynomial in δ(1) of the binary mixture. A quartic expression of W in terms of solvent solubility parameter was found for predicting the solubility of satranidazole in dioxane-water mixtures. The method has potential usefulness in preformulation and formulation studies during which solubility prediction is important for drug design.     

Polymorphism and thermodynamics of m-hydroxybenzoic acid

Solution and solid-state properties of m-hydroxybenzoic acid have been investigated. Two polymorphs were found where the monoclinic modification exhibits a higher stability than the orthorhombic form. The solubility of the monoclinic polymorph was determined between 10 and 50 °C in methanol, acetonitrile, acetic acid, acetone, water and ethyl acetate. The solubility of the orthorhombic polymorph was determined between 10 and 50 °C in acetonitrile, acetic acid, acetone and ethyl acetate. A thermodynamic analysis revealed a marked correlation between the molar solubility and the van’t Hoff enthalpy of solution at constant temperature. In addition, in each solvent increased temperature resulted in increased van’t Hoff enthalpy of solution. It is shown that the solubility data can be used to estimate melting properties for both polymorphs. The solubility ratio of the two forms and the DSC thermogram of the orthorhombic form strongly suggest that the system is monotropic. However, according to the polymorph rules of Burger and Ramberger, the estimated higher melting enthalpy and lower melting temperature of the orthorhombic form points towards an enantiotropic system. Hence, this system appears to be an exception to the Burger and Ramberger melting enthalpy rule, and the probable reason for this is found in the difference in the heat capacity of the two solid forms.     

Relationship between swelling of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and the Hansen and Karger partial solubility parameters

A model that relates the equilibrium swelling of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose to the partial solubility parameters of both the polymer and the solvents is proposed to interpret and correlate the experimental data. The non-specific interactions are expressed as the dispersion delta(d) and polar delta(p) solubility parameters of Hansen, or as a combination of both. Hydrogen bonding is represented by the acidic delta(a) and the basic delta(b) Karger solubility parameters. The results are compared with models including the same parameters for non-specific interactions (delta(d) and delta(p)) and the Hansen hydrogen bonding parameter delta(h). Equilibrium swelling of this hydrophilic polymer that is widely used in drug formulation is measured in pure solvents covering a wide polarity range. In a qualitative way, swelling increases in solvents with higher Hildebrand solubility parameters and stronger hydrogen bonding capability, and it decreases in non-polar solvents. Single polarity indexes, such as the Hildebrand solubility parameter or the partition coefficient (PC), do not fit well the overall experimental data. The best correlations were obtained with the proposed model, providing at the same time an interpretation consistent with the physical meaning of the terms included in the equation. Swelling increases as the non-specific interactions of the polymer and the solvents become alike, and as the Lewis acid-base interactions of the polymer (1) and the solvent (2) represented by the products delta(1a)delta(2b) and delta(1b)delta(2a) become greater. Conversely, hydrogen bonding self association of the solvents (the product delta(1a)delta(1b)) lowers swelling. The results show that the Karger hydrogen bonding parameters provide a better approach than the Hansen hydrogen bonding parameter to correlate the swelling behavior of a hydrophilic polymer.     

Characterization of tolbutamide polymorphs (Burger's forms II and IV) and polymorphic transition behavior

Burger's two polymorphs of tolbutamide (TB), an oral hypoglycemic agent, were obtained by spray-drying the drug dissolved in a mixed solvent of ethanol/dichloromethane (Form IV) and allowing Form IV to stand at constant temperatures and humidities (Form II). These polymorphs were characterized by various physical methods [e.g., powder X-ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectrometry, and solid-state carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) spectroscopy] and compared with two other TB polymorphs Forms I and III. The 13C NMR spectra showed that the chemical shift and the peak shape of resonance associated with the toluene and n-butyl moieties of TB were different for each of the four polymorphs, whereas the carbonyl carbon was unchanged, indicating different conformations and molecular motions of the toluene and n-butyl moieties in the solid states. Form IV converted itself to Form II within 3 h when it was stored at 45 degrees C and 75% relative humidity (RH) and, in turn, Form II transformed to Form I at higher temperatures. The conversion of Form IV to Form II proceeded according to a zero-order equation (Polany-Winger equation), and that of Form II to Form I according to a first-order equation. The increase in RH accelerated the polymorphic transition of Form IV. Both the apparent dissolution rate and the solubility of Form IV were nearly identical with those of Form II, because the former changed to the latter during the dissolution, but their dissolution rates and solubility were higher than those of Forms I and III. These dissolution characteristics of TB polymorphs were reflected in the oral absorption behavior in dogs; that is, the bioavailability increased in the order Form I < Form III < Form II approximately Form IV.     

Phase transformation in conformational polymorphs of nimesulide

Nimesulide is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and a COX-2 inhibitor. The native crystal structure of nimesulide (or Form I) has been characterized in the literature by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) lines, whereas full three-dimensional coordinates are known for a second polymorph (Form II). A detailed structural characterization and phase stability of nimesulide polymorphs were carried out. Rod-like crystals of Form I (space group Pca2(1); number of symmetry-independent molecules, Z' = 2) were crystallized from EtOH concomitantly with Form II (C2/c, Z' = 1). These conformational polymorphs have different torsion angles at the phenoxy and sulfonamide groups. The crystal structures are stabilized by N-H · · · O hydrogen bonds and C-H · · · O, C-H · · · π interactions. Phase transition from the metastable Form (II) to the stable modification (I) was studied using differential scanning calorimetry, hot-stage microscopy, solid-state grinding, solvent-drop grinding, and slurry crystallization. The phase transition was monitored by infrared, Raman, and ss-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; and XRPD and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The stable polymorph I was obtained in excess during solution crystallization, grinding, and slurry methods. Intrinsic dissolution and equilibrium solubility experiments showed that the metastable Form II dissolves much faster than the stable Form I.     

One-solvent polymorph screen of carbamazepine

To emphasize the fact that solvents can be either critical or immaterial in crystallizing specific polymorphs, a method for obtaining multiple polymorphs of a compound using only one solvent is demonstrated. By varying the crystallization temperature and level of supersaturation, three of the four polymorphs of carbamazepine (CBZ; 5H-dibenz [b,f]azepine-5-carboxamide) were crystallized from cumene (isopropyl benzene). Form III, also referred to as the primitive monoclinic form, was produced at temperatures below 60 degrees C from supersaturated solutions concentrated at less than twice the solubility of that form. When the supersaturation was increased to twice the solubility of form III at temperatures below 60 degrees C, form II, also referred to as the trigonal form, was produced. Form I, also referred to as the triclinic form, was produced regardless of the level of supersaturation at temperatures above 80 degrees C. Between 60 degrees C and 80 degrees C, mixtures of forms were produced. Competition slurries were employed to establish the transition temperature to be between 79 degrees C and 82 degrees C for the enantiotropically related forms III and I. These results indicate that crystallization of CBZ from cumene can either be under thermodynamic control or affected by the kinetics of crystallization of metastable forms. This raises the question about the importance of solvent diversity when looking for polymorphs, suggesting that a rational experimental design can be used to greatly reduce the number of solvents and crystallization conditions. The results of this one-solvent polymorph screen correlate somewhat with a phase-solubility diagram for CBZ.     

Polymorph Control of Sulfathiazole in Supercritical CO2

Purpose. Sulfathiazole was used to investigate polymorph control in liquid and supercritical CO₂. Conventional techniques require a variety of solvents and techniques to produce different polymorphs. The present approach involves precipitation from an organic solution with liquid or supercritical CO₂ using the SEDS process. Methods. Sulfathiazole was precipitated from methanol or acetone solutions. Experiments were carried out within a temperature range of 0–120°C. Composition of the fluid phase was varied between x(CO₂) = 0.27–0.99. Pressure was constant at 200 bar. Samples obtained were analyzed using SEM, DSC, and XRPD. Results. Pure polymorphs were obtained at different temperatures and flow rate ratios of CO₂/solvent. With methanol Form I, III, and IV and their mixtures could be crystallized. With acetone Form I or a mixture of Form I and amorphous sulfathiazole was obtained. The fluid composition was used as a control parameter to define the process areas (T–x diagram) where the pure forms or mixtures of different forms could be obtained. Conclusions. The experiments enabled the relationship between flow and temperature for each polymorph to be determined. The crystallization method developed proved to be a simple and efficient technique for reproducible and consistent isolation of sulfathiazole polymorphs.     

In vitro Dissolution Studies on Solid Dispersions of Mefenamic Acid

Solid dispersions of mefanamic acid with a water-soluble polymer polyvinyl pyrrolidine and a super disintegrant, primojel were prepared by common solvent and solvent evaporation methods employing methanol as the solvent. The dissolution rate and dissolution efficiency of the prepared solid dispersions were evaluated in comparison to the corresponding pure drug. Solid dispersions of mefenamic acid showed a marked enhancement in dissolution rate and dissolution efficiency. At 1:4 ratio of mefenamic acid-primojel a 2.61 fold increase in the dissolution rate of mefenamic acid was observed with solid dispersion. The solid dispersions in combined carriers gave much higher rates of dissolution than super disintegrants alone. Mefanamic acid-primojel-polyvinyl pyrrolidine (1:3.2:0.8) solid dispersion gave a 4.11 fold increase in the dissolution rate of mefenamic acid. Super disintegrants alone or in combination with polyvinyl pyrrolidine could be used to enhance the dissolution rate of mefenamic acid.     

Solid-state characterization of mefenamic acid

The purpose of this study was to characterize mefenamic acid (MA) from commercial samples and samples crystallized from different solvents. Various techniques used for characterization included microscopy (hot stage microscopy, scanning electron microscopy), intrinsic dissolution rate, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffractometry (pXRD). The commercial samples varied in their crystal habit, thermal behavior, and intrinsic dissolution rate. It was found that the commercial samples were polymorphic Form I, which converted to Form II on heating in a DSC pan. Similarly, compression in an intrinsic dissolution rate (IDR) press resulted in the conversion of Form I to Form II. On the other hand, the samples recrystallized from different solvents under varying conditions yielded different crystal habits. Stirring and degree of supersaturation significantly influenced the crystal habit in all the solvents used in the study. Samples crystallized from ethanol and tetrahydrofuran yielded Form I, which behaved similarly to the commercial samples (M1 and M3). Recrystallization from ethyl acetate at a fast cooling rate yielded Form I, which on melting crystallized to Form II. The form I crystallized from ethyl acetate by fast cooling converted partially to form II on storing at ambient conditions. Forms I and II of MA were enantiotropically related. The results demonstrate the variable material characteristics of the commercial samples of MA and the influence of the crystallizing conditions on the formation of the polymorphs.     

Characterization and selective crystallization of famotidine polymorphs

Famotidine crystallizes in two different polymorphic forms: the metastable polymorph B and the stable polymorph A. In this work, solid characterization for both polymorphs has been conducted in detail. The solubility, metastable zone width and interfacial energy of both polymorphs in different solvents have been measured. The influence of solvent, cooling rate, initial concentration and the temperature of nucleation on polymorphism has been investigated. Results show that the nature of polymorph that crystallizes from solution depends on the initial concentration of the solution, solvent, cooling rate, and the temperature of nucleation. Polymorph B preferentially crystallizes only at high concentrations. When acetonitrile or methanol is used as solvent, cooling rate can affect the polymorph of product only at high concentrations. While water is used as solvent, cooling rate has no effect on the polymorph of product, and nucleation temperature is found to be the predominant controlling factor. The effect of crystallization conditions on the polymorph of famotidine can be mainly attributed to the conformational polymorphism. Finally the "polymorphic window" for famotidine crystallized from aqueous solution has been described.