Solid-state transformation of the pseudopolymorphic forms of codeine phosphate hemihydrate and codeine phosphate sesquihydrate monitored by vibrational spectroscopy and thermal analysis

The results from the first study on the pseudopolymorphism and solid-state transformations of codeine phosphate hemihydrate and codeine phosphate sesquihydrate are presented. The vibrational (infrared and Raman) spectra for both studied forms have revealed differences indicating that vibrational spectroscopy could discriminate between pseudopolymorphic forms of these compounds. Coupling the obtained spectroscopic data and the results from the thermoanalytical techniques (TGA/DSC) afforded interpretation of the undergoing solid-state transformations that occur when the compounds are being exposed at increased humidity and/or temperature. It was observed that, at room temperature, the hemihydrate and the sesquihydrate forms are the only sufficiently stable pseudopolymorphs of codeine phosphate explaining their intense pharmaceutical application.