Crystallization of Curcumin and Cinnamic Acid from Aqueous Solutions of Hydrotropes

Noopur Rathi,Vilas G Gaikar

doi:10.4236/jcpt.2018.83005

Abstract

Batch crystallization studies of curcumin from hydrotropic solutions of sodium cumenesulphonate (NaCS) and of cinnamic acid from a photosensitive hydrotropic medium of sodium cinnamate (Na-CIN) were carried out, in an agitated reactor for the effect of alternate heating and cooling cycles on crystal morphology. The crystal characterization by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and crystal size distribution (CSD) showed formation of spheroidal curcumin crystals while cinnamic acid formed porous aggregates when subjected to thermal cycles. The UV irradiation of cinnamic acid however showed no formation of the aggregates. The type of hydrotrope used and the initial crystal morphologies of curcumin and cinnamic acid are shown to be important factors to result in a different behaviour of the crystal morphology upon thermal cycles. The CSD data were effectively used for estimation of nucleation and growth rate parameters.

Highlights

Crystallization is usually the final stage of purification of a product as it provides the product of more acceptable purity
We investigate here crystallization from aqueous solutions of hydrotropes which are highly water-soluble amphiphilic salts of sulfonic or carboxylic acids which have been extensively investigated by our group in extraction, solubilization and crystallization processes [1] [2] [3]
Hydrotropes were successfully utilised for crystallization process to obtain crystals of curcumin and cinnamic acid using alternate heating and cooling cycles

Summary

Introduction

Crystallization is usually the final stage of purification of a product as it provides the product of more acceptable purity. Porosity, good flowing properties, better transport and packaging and non-sticky nature are important characteristics required for current industrial applications. At higher temperatures the drug solubility can be increased, the conditions may not be conducive for applications or the active molecule may degrade because of excessive thermal shock

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