Critical investigation of coupled liquid chromatography–NMR spectroscopy in pharmaceutical impurity identification

In this paper, we investigate the application of coupled LC–NMR to the identification of low‐level impurities. We consider the absolute sensitivity of the technique with our instrumentation, and how this is degraded by peak broadening on and after column, and we compare the sensitivity and other aspects of LC–NMR with a more classical approach of impurity isolation and tube NMR. We show that despite the undoubted advantages of LC–NMR in many situations, for the identification of very low‐level impurities it may not always be the most efficient overall approach when all factors are considered. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

NMR studies on 1,2‐dihydro‐2‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐4‐[4‐(4‐aminophenoxy)‐4‐phenyl]‐(2H)phthalazin‐1‐one

An unsymmetrical heterocyclic diamine, 1,2‐dihydro‐2‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐4‐[4‐(4‐aminophenoxy)‐4‐phenyl]‐(2H)phthalazin‐1‐one, was synthesized. Its ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra were completely assigned by utilizing the two‐dimensional heteronuclear ¹³C–¹H multiple‐bond coherence (HMBC) spectroscopy, and heteronuclear ¹³C–¹H one‐bond correlation spectroscopy, homonuclear shift correlation spectroscopy (H,H‐COSY) and rotating frame Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy (ROESY). The structure of the compound was shown to be the phthalazinone rather than the phthalazine ether from cross peaks and chemical shifts of the protons. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Semi‐preparative LC‐SPE‐cryoflow NMR for impurity identifications: use of mother liquor as a better source of impurities

Unambiguous structural elucidation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) impurities is a particularly challenging necessity of pharmaceutical development, particularly if the impurities are low level (0.1% level). In many cases, this requires acquiring high‐quality NMR data on a pure sample of each impurity. High‐quality, high signal‐to‐noise (S/N) one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR data can be obtained using liquid chromatography‐solid phase extraction‐cryoflow NMR (LC‐SPE‐cryoflow NMR) with a combination of semi‐preparative column for separation and mother liquor as a source of concentrated impurities. These NMR data, in conjunction with mass spectrometry data, allowed for quick and unambiguous structural elucidations of four impurities found at low level in the crystallized API but found at appreciable levels in the mother liquor that was used as the source for these impurities. These data show that semi‐preparative columns can be used at lower than ideal flow rates to facilitate trapping of HPLC components for LC‐SPE‐cryoflow NMR analysis without compromising chromatographic resolution. Also, despite the complex chromatography encountered with the use of mother liquor as a source of impurities, acceptably pure analytes were obtained for acquiring NMR data for unambiguous structure elucidations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic study of oxidation of D,L‐cystine and 3,3′‐dithiobis(propionic acid) with hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution

The oxidation of symmetrical disulfides [D ,L ‐cystine ( 1 ) and 3,3′‐dithiobis(propionic acid) ( 2 )] with hydrogen peroxide in D₂O–NaOH solution (pH 10–11) was studied by NMR spectroscopy. Assignments of the proton and carbon NMR signals of starting materials ( 1 and 2 ) and products of oxidation are based on conventional 1D NMR methods (DEPT, selective spin decoupling). Formation of C—S bond cleavage products or, in case of 2 , partially oxidized intermediates was not detected. The accelerating effect of Cu²⁺ cations, but not Fe³⁺ cations, on the oxidation rate of 1 in basic medium was demonstrated. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structural characterization of vulcanized natural rubber by latex state 13C NMR spectroscopy

Structural characterization of vulcanized natural rubber was performed by high‐resolution latex‐state ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The vulcanized natural rubber latex was prepared by vulcanization of high ammonia natural rubber latex with sulfur and sodium di‐n‐butyldithiocarbamate as vulcanizing agents. High resolution was attained for latex‐state ¹³C NMR spectroscopy even after vulcanization of the rubber latex, as is evident from no background in spectrum and narrow half width of signals, which were independent of vulcanization time. Small signals at 44 and 58 ppm in the carbon region were assigned by measurements of both distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer (DEPT) and attached proton test (APT) to secondary, tertiary, and quaternary carbons of crosslinking points. The assignment was proved by high‐resolution solution‐state NMR spectroscopy of vulcanized liquid cis‐1,4‐polyisoprene as a model, in which DEPT, APT, 2‐dimensional ¹H‐¹³C correlation (HETCOR), and 2‐dimensional heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC) measurements were applied. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 1003–1009, 2007     

Increasing spectral information with shorter acquisitions: the advantages of using F1 selection in structural determinations

The structural elucidation of complex materials by NMR is complicated by the common occurrence of nearly coincident resonances. Congested regions necessitate increased spectral resolution, with additional time increments needed for 2D NMR spectroscopy, resulting in longer acquisition times. These demands conflict with the ever‐increasing demands for instrument time and with long‐term sample stability. Selective spectroscopy addresses both of these problems. By focusing attention only on the region of interest, fewer increments are needed. Shorter acquisitions are obtained, with a higher information content. Alternatively, the spectroscopist may choose to use these time savings to collect additional transients, allowing the study of smaller amounts of material, or low‐level impurities/isomers. Using a carbohydrate as our example, we illustrate the utility of this methodology using selHMQC, selHMBC (IMPRESS) and selHMQCTOCSY. We have found this methodology useful in the coupling of efficiency and productivity of NMR spectroscopy. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis,characterization and control of eight process-related and two genotoxic fingolimod impurities by a validated RP-UPLC method

An HPLC method has been described in the European Pharmacopoeia and United States Pharmacopeia for the determination of nine organic impurities (imp A–I) in fingolimod hydrochloride, a synthetic sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator. The manufacturing process of fingolimod hydrochloride consists of multistep chemical synthesis wherein controls of precursors, intermediates and process steps should be performed to assure the final quality of the drug substance. We synthesized and isolated eight process-related impurities (FINI imp A–H) of fingolimod, which were different from the pharmacopoeial impurities. One unknown process-related impurity was found as a key intermediate (FINI) and was identified by LC–MS. Characterization of all of the impurities were done using spectroscopic techniques (¹H and ¹³C NMR, FTIR, MS), and the mechanistic pathways to the formation of these impurities were also discussed. Two of these impurities were evaluated as potential genotoxic impurities owing to their alerting structures and alkylating properties (alkyl sulfonates and alkyl halides, class 3, ICH M7). We also developed and validated an RP-UPLC method in line with ICH Q2 guidelines for control these impurities (FINI imp A–H) and to assure the pharmacopoeial quality drug substance.     

Spatial structure of heptapeptide Aβ16–22 (beta‐amyloid Aβ1–40 active fragment) in solution and in complex with a biological membrane model

The spatial structure of an active fragment of beta‐amyloid Aβ_1–40 heptapeptide Aβ_16–22 (Lys‐Leu‐Val‐Phe‐Phe‐Ala‐Glu) in aqueous buffer solution and in complex with sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles as a model membrane system was investigated by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and two‐dimensional NMR (TOCSY, HSQC‐HECADE (Heteronuclear Couplings from ASSCI‐domain experiments with E.COSY‐type crosspeaks), NOESY) spectroscopy. Complex formation was confirmed by the chemical shift changes of the heptapeptide's ¹H NMR spectra, as well as by the signs and values of the NOE effects in different environments. We compared the spatial structure of the heptapeptide in borate buffer solution and in complex with a model of the cell surface membrane. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

NMR spectroscopy as a tool to investigate the degradation of aromatic compounds by a Pseudomonas putida strain

Pseudomonas putida strain KT2442, harbouring the pWW0 TOL plasmid, was grown with a number of different homologous aromatic acids as carbon sources. Small samples of liquid culture supernatant were collected and directly analysed by 2D NMR spectroscopy. In all cases similar compounds with olefinic signals were observed to accumulate. To elucidate the structures of these compounds, 2D NMR experiments with 500 and 600 MHz spectrometers equipped with a CryoProbe (Bruker BioSpin) were performed on samples obtained from a culture growing on 4‐methylbenzoate and, for ¹³C spectroscopy, on ¹³C‐labelled 4‐methylbenzoate. In all cases a 1,2‐dihydroxycyclohexa‐3,5‐diene‐carboxylate derivative was identified. The use of this technique helped us to identify easily some metabolites that were released into the solution by bacteria and to follow their secretion as a function of time. The high sensitivity of the present approach allowed a clear and rapid acquisition of spectra, notwithstanding the low concentration of the compounds. The benefits of introducing the use of NMR cryoprobes to perform metabolic pathway studies is demonstrated. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structural elucidation and complete assignment of a novel class of sulfonamides: bridgehead tricyclic sultams

Endocyclic sulfonamide templates bearing both an exocyclic ketone function and an internal olefin underwent reaction with a variety of hydroxylamines to effect an intramolecular nitrone–olefin cycloaddition to afford a new class of compounds suitable for derivatization by high‐throughput medicinal chemistry. Structural elucidation via complete assignment of the ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra of this new class of compounds was achieved using gradient‐COSY, gradient heteronuclear multiple quantum‐coherence spectroscopy and gradient heteronuclear multiple bond correlation spectroscopy. Additionally, double pulsed field gradient spin echo–nuclear Overhauser effect experiments were carried out in order to study the spatial conformation of this new type of molecule and assess the stereo‐ and regio‐selectivity of the chemical transformation. The unequivocal molecular framework and structural conformation was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

End‐group characterization of homo‐ and copolyesters of cyclohexane‐1,4‐dimethanol

End groups after the thermal degradation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and its cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) copolymer were characterized with ¹H NMR. Thermally degraded polymers were obtained by heat treatment at 290 °C. For the PET homopolymer, a vinyl end group appeared, which resulted from thermal cis‐β‐elimination. For the CHDM copolymer, in addition to a vinyl end group, methylcyclohexene and cyclovinylidene end groups originating from CHDM were formed. The assignment of the ¹H NMR spectrum was performed with information from ¹³C NMR and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The total amounts of unsaturated species measured by NMR were compared with those estimated by bromination titration. There was good agreement between the values obtained by the two methods, indicating that all the major unsaturated species were accounted for. The mechanism of the formation of the unsaturated end groups was investigated. We suggest, on the basis of the NMR measurements, that the methylcyclohexene and cyclovinylidene groups originating from CHDM were formed by thermal cis‐β‐elimination as for the PET homopolymer. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 665–674, 2001     

Complete assignments of NMR data of salens and their cobalt (III) complexes

Salens, derived from 1,2‐ethylenediamine and salicylaldehydes, have been widely used as ligands for metal complexes which have been showing enormous potential in chemical properties of asymmetric catalysts as well as biological properties such as anticancer agents. Almost all of the salen–metal complexes with their corresponding metal (II)‐complexes show the evidences of chelation of two oxygens in salens. However, several metal (II) complexes, especially cobalt (II) complexes, could not show NMR spectra due to their paramagnetism. Recently, it has been reported that one of the cobalt (III) complexes was used for NMR spectroscopy to evaluate its stereoselectivity as a catalyst. Even though many salen ligands are known, their NMR data are not assigned completely. It was possible that modification in northern part of salen with 2‐hydroxyphenyl group afforded another oxygen chelation site in salen ligand. Here we report that synthesis and full NMR assignment of new salen ligands, which form meso 1,2‐bis(2‐hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine) and their cobalt (III) complexes. The assignments of ¹H and ¹³C NMR data obtained in this experiment can help us to predict the NMR data of other salen ligands. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Identification of degradation products in stressed tablets of Rabeprazole sodium by HPLC‐hyphenated techniques

Three unknown impurities of Rabeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, were formed in the formulated drug under the stress conditions, [40 °C/75% relative humidity (RH) for 6 months] with relative retention times (RRTs) 0.17, 0.22 and 0.28. The Impurity‐I (0.17 RRT) was isolated using preparative HPLC and characterized by NMR and MS. The other two impurities, Impurity‐II (RRT 0.22) and Impurity‐III (RRT 0.28) could not be isolated, hence they are characterized by HPLC‐hyphenated techniques, LC–NMR and high‐resolution LC–MS. On the basis of the spectral data, the Impurity‐I, Impurity‐II and Impurity‐III were characterized as 1‐(1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl)‐3‐methyl‐4‐oxo‐1,4‐dihydropyridine‐2‐carboxylic acid, 1H‐benzo [d] imidazole‐2‐sulfonic acid and 4‐(3‐methoxy propoxy)‐3‐methyl‐2‐pyridine carboxylic acid, respectively. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

NOESY,HOESY, T1 and solid‐state NMR studies on [RuH(η6‐toluene)(Binap)](CF3SO3): a molecule with a strongly distorted piano‐stool structure

Detailed solution‐NMR studies on the distorted ruthenium hydride complex [RuH(η⁶‐toluene)(Binap)](CF₃SO₃) (2) are reported. NOE‐spectroscopy, together with low‐temperature ¹H and ³¹P NMR data, reveals restricted rotation around a P—C bond for a specific axial P—phenyl ring with the activation energy determined via simulation. From ¹⁹F, ¹H HOESY data, the approach of the triflate anion relative to the hydride ligand is established. Comparison of the quadrupole coupling constant C_QF from both solution‐ and solid‐state MAS‐NMR on the deuteride [RuD(η⁶‐benzene)(Binap)](CF₃SO₃) (1‐D) provide information on the nature of the Ru—H bond. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Advanced solvent signal suppression for the acquisition of 1D and 2D NMR spectra of Scotch Whisky

A simple and robust solvent suppression technique that enables acquisition of high‐quality 1D ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of alcoholic beverages on cryoprobe instruments was developed and applied to acquire NMR spectra of Scotch Whisky. The method uses 3 channels to suppress signals of water and ethanol, including those of ¹³C satellites of ethanol. It is executed in automation allowing high throughput investigations of alcoholic beverages. On the basis of the well‐established 1D nuclear Overhauser spectroscopy (NOESY) solvent suppression technique, this method suppresses the solvent at the beginning of the pulse sequence, producing pure phase signals minimally affected by the relaxation. The developed solvent suppression procedure was integrated into several homocorrelated and heterocorrelated 2D NMR experiments, including 2D correlation spectroscopy (COSY), 2D total correlation spectroscopy (TOCSY), 2D band‐selective TOCSY, 2D J‐resolved spectroscopy, 2D ¹H, ¹³C heteronuclear single‐quantum correlation spectroscopy (HSQC), 2D ¹H, ¹³C HSQC‐TOCSY, and 2D ¹H, ¹³C heteronuclear multiple‐bond correlation spectroscopy (HMBC). A 1D chemical‐shift‐selective TOCSY experiments was also modified. The wealth of information obtained by these experiments will assist in NMR structure elucidation of Scotch Whisky congeners and generally the composition of alcoholic beverages at the molecular level.     

NMR study on 9‐S and 9‐R oxirane derivatives of ascomycin

Structure elucidation of 9‐S and 9‐R oxirane derivatives of ascomycin, a 23‐membered immunomodulating macrolactam, was performed using NMR spectroscopy. The total ¹H and ¹³C signal assignments required the gradient‐selected versions of COSY (gs‐COSY), heteronuclear multiple quantum‐correlation spectroscopy (gs‐HSQC), heteronuclear multiple‐bond correlation spectroscopy (gs‐HMBC), and nuclear Overhauser methods. The data sets then were used to examine the dependence of ketone–hemiketal and cis–trans amide equilibria on the substitution pattern and the absolute configuration of the chiral oxirane. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Assignment of 1H and 13C NMR data for diethyl 2‐ and 8‐quinolylmethylphosphonates and their palladium(II) dihalide complexes

¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral data for diethyl 2‐ and 8‐quinolylmethylphosphonates (L) and their palladium(II) dihalide complexes, trans‐[PdL₂X₂] (L = 2‐dqmp, 8‐dqmp; X = Cl, Br), are presented. The NMR analysis was performed on the basis of one‐ and two‐dimensional homo‐ and heteronuclear experiments including ¹H, ¹³C, APT, ¹H–¹H COSY, ¹H–¹³C COSY, HMQC and HMBC techniques. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Complexation of selenium to (R)‐Rh2(MTPA)4: thermodynamics and stoichiometry

Variable‐temperature ¹H and ⁷⁷Se NMR data for 3‐phenylselenenyl‐1‐phenyl‐1‐propene (1) in the presence of Rh₂(MTPA)₄ (Rh*) prove that the equilibria are strongly shifted towards the adduct Rh*···1; free selenide molecules cannot be detected as long as uncomplexed rhodium atoms are available. In the case of excess Rh*, both 1 : 2 and 1 : 1 adducts (Rh* vs 1) are formed, and the latter is slightly favoured. With excess selenide, the system strongly favours the complexation of two selenide molecules (1 : 2 adduct), i.e. one at each rhodium atom. In this situation, intermolecular selenide exchange can be monitored by variable‐temperature ¹H NMR spectroscopy and the energy barrier is estimated to be 54–55 kJ mol^?1. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modern proton‐detected 1D 1H–15N NMR experiments. Application to the measurement of 1H,15N coupling constants at natural abundance

Non‐selective and selective versions of several proton‐detected 1D NMR experiments to be applied to ¹⁵N are proposed. Clean, artifact‐free 1D spectra are easily obtained by the effective coherence selection by pulsed‐field gradients and the attainable sensitivity is maximized using modern pulse schemes. Despite the low sensitivity inherent to ¹⁵N NMR spectroscopy, the successful application of these experiments is demonstrated for resonance assignments and accurate measurement of both one‐bond and long‐range proton–nitrogen coupling constants on a model tripeptide at natural abundance. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Stereochemical analysis of the 3α‐ and 3β‐hydroxy metabolites of tibolone through NMR and quantum‐chemical investigations. An experimental test of GIAO calculations

The configuration at C‐3 of the 3α‐ and 3β‐hydroxy metabolites of tibolone was studied by extensive application of one‐ and two‐dimensional ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy combined with molecular modeling performed at the B3LYP/6–31G(d) level. Using HF and DFT GIAO methods, shielding tensors of the two molecules were computed; comparison of the calculated NMR chemical shifts with the experimental values revealed that the density functional methods produced the best results for assigning proton and carbon resonances. Although steroids are relatively large molecules, the present approach appears accurate enough to allow the determination of relative configurations by using calculated ¹³C resonances; the chemical shift of pairs of geminal α/β hydrogen atoms can also be established by using calculated ¹H resonances. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.