Application of Magnetic Field to Accelerate the Crystallization of Scopolamine Hydrobromide

Abstract

In this paper, a rapid and efficient method for the preparation of scopolamine hydrobromide with high purity was established, named as magnetic field-induced crystallization. Based on the difference in solubility between scopolamine and scopolamine hydrobromide, salifying crystallization was selected and then treated with the synergistic effect of magnetic field to achieve the goal of purifying scopolamine. The influence of crystallization solvents and magnetic field intensity on the crystallization process of scopolamine hydrobromide, as well as the impact of magnetic field on the crystal growth direction, were investigated. The results revealed that treatment under magnetic field led to a shortened induction time (25.64–75.46%), an increased purity of crystals (0.95–2.92%), and an enhanced recovery rate (4.51–10.78%). Furthermore, it was also discovered that magnetic field could destroy hydrogen bonds within the solution, and change the physical properties of the mother liquid, so as to promote the nucleation formation and crystal growth. These findings suggested that external magnetic field could be a promising method for scopolamine preparation.