SOLVENT OPTIMIZATION in the RECRYSTALLIZATION PURIFICATION of
PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS
Abstract
Abstract: This treatment describes the details of a methodical three
step algorithm for determining the optimal operating conditions for the
recrystallization separations of solid mixtures. Our algorithm was
applied to optimally separate a representative pharmaceutical product
(Caffeine) from a related pharmaceutical product (Theophylline). The
limitations of such calculations with currently available, widely used
predictive methods for computing solution thermodynamics without
experimental data are directly examined. Also presented here is a novel
two stage recrystallization procedure which can potentially dramatically
improve the recovery yields of the desired products. The systematic
optimization calculations described herein should enable researchers to
quickly screen many potential solvent systems and operating conditions
and concentrate experimental efforts only on the most promising
candidates for such purifications.