Solubility-aided product selectivity

Solid Form Selection A drug can exist in multiple forms in the solid state. If the two forms have the same molecular structure but different crystal packing, then they are polymorphs. Pseudopolymorphs (or solvatomorphs) differ in the level of hydration/solvation between forms. Polymorphs and pseudopolymorphs in principle will have a different solubility, melting point, dissolution rate, etc. While less thermodynamically stable, polymorphs have higher solubilities they also have the potential to convert to the more thermodynamically stable form. This form conversion can lead to reduced solubility for the formulated product. One example is ritonavir, a protease inhibitor compound used to treat acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Marketed by Abbott Labs as Norvir, this compound began production in a semisolid form and an oral liquid form. In July 1998, dissolution tests of several new batches of the product failed. The problem was traced to the appearance of a previously unknown polymorph (Form II) of the compound. This form is thermodynamically more stable than Form I and therefore is less soluble. In this case, the solubility is at least a factor of 2 below that of Form I.12 The discovery of this new polymorph ultimately led to a temporary withdrawal of the solid form of Norvir from the market and a search for a new formulation. 

As pointed out earlier, the lack of a common solvent, for aqueous and certain organic substrates, may result in a slow reaction rate and poor selectivity. This serious limitation has been circumvented with the aid of phase transfer catalysis, a well known technique in organic synthesis [55]. It consists in the transfer of a water soluble oxidant species into the immiscible organic phase, as a quaternary ammonium or phosphonium salt. Two main results are achieved by this technique. The reaction rate is increased, due to higher concentration of the oxidant species in the organic phase. Acid catalyzed side reactions are decreased, by keeping the products in the organic phase. 

Chemical Tests. Selected chemical classification tests can also be used to aid in characterization of this compound. Is the compound soluble in water If so, does the aqueous solution turn blue Utmus paper red Is the compound soluble in 5% NaOH and 5% NaHCOs Is there evidence of CO2 evolution with the bicarbonate solution If so, what does this test indicate Give the structure of the product formed when the material is added to the sodium hydroxide solution. 

Figures 12.1.22 and 12.1.23 explain technical principles behind formation of efficient and selective membrane. Figure 12.1.22 shows a micrograph of hollow PEI fiber produced from N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, NMP, which has thin surface layer and uniform pores and Figure 12.1.23 shows the same fiber obtained from a solution in dimethylformamide, DMF, which has a thick surface layer and less uniform pores. The effect depends on the interaction of polar and non-polar components. The compatibility of components was estimated based on their Hansen s solubility parameter difference. The compatibility increases as the solubility parameter difference decreases. Adjusting temperature is another method of control because the Hansen s solubility parameter decreases as the temperature increases. A procedure was developed to determine precipitation values by titration with non-solvent to a cloud point. Use of this procedure aids in selecting a suitable non-solvent for a given polymer/solvent system. Figure 12.1.24 shows the results from this method. Successfid in membrane production by either non-solvent inversion or thermally-induced phase separation requires careful analysis of the compatibilities between polymer and solvent, polymer and non-solvent, and solvent and non-solvent. Also the processing regime, which includes temperature control, removal of volatile components, uniformity of solvent replacement must be carefully controlled.

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