Cocrystallization as a tool to stabilize liquid active ingredients

Abstract

Cocrystallization is an extensively used method in Crystal Engineering for tuning the properties of target compounds by pairing them with ad-hoc selected molecular partners (i.e. coformers) in a stoichiometric ratio within the same crystal structure. The formation of a new intermolecular network significantly alters the physical–chemical properties of the final material, becoming crucial for target applications such as pharmaceutical, agrochemical and nuctraceutical where cocrystals are largely investigated. Although, the majority of the cocrystals reported in the literature so far are generally made of coformers which are solid at room temperature, there is no restriction in using liquid or low melting compounds as a coformer. This contribution aims at reviewing some significant cases and applications where cocrystallization is used to stabilize liquid ingredients, that are generally poorly stable and their manufacturing, transportation, and storage conditions present considerable environmental, logistical, and cost-related challenges.