Ferric Citrate Hydration via Low-Temperature Solvent Precipitation
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing ferric citrate result in low solubility and high side effects, such as peptic ulcers, due to the formation of secondary products like aconitic acid during high-temperature reactions, limiting their effectiveness in treating hyperphosphatemia.
Innovation Solution
A method involving dissolving ferric citrate in water with citric acid and a water-soluble organic solvent, adjusting the amounts of water and citric acid to control the specific surface area, resulting in high-purity ferric citrate hydrate with improved solubility and reduced impurities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ferric citrate is produced by reacting ferric hydroxide with citric acid at high temperature (60-90°C), then the reaction proceeds efficiently, but secondary products (aconitic acid, citraconic acid, itaconic acid) are generated reducing purity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high temperature (60-90°C) to low temperature (0-30°C) to prevent the formation of secondary products while maintaining reaction efficiency through extended reaction time and optimized reagent ratios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary purification by filtering the reaction mixture to remove unreacted ferric hydroxide before the secondary reactions can occur, and then performs a second filtration after adding organic solvent to remove precipitated impurities
2Reliability
If the specific surface area of ferric citrate is increased to improve solubility and reduce side effects, then treatment effectiveness improves, but the production process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the specific surface area by adjusting production parameters including temperature, reagent ratios, and addition rates, achieving BET specific surface area of 50-140 m2/g through optimized low-temperature reaction conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses organic solvents (acetone, ethanol, or isopropanol) as intermediaries to precipitate ferric citrate with controlled surface area and to remove water-soluble secondary products, simplifying the purification process while achieving the desired surface properties
3Reliability
If ferric citrate is used to treat hyperphosphatemia, then phosphate removal from blood is achieved, but peptic ulcer side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent produces ferric citrate with controlled specific surface area (50-140 m2/g) and high purity by conducting the reaction at low temperature (0-30°C) and filtering at specific pH ranges, reducing the formation of peptic ulcer-causing impurities while maintaining phosphate removal effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes secondary products and water-soluble impurities through filtration at controlled pH and by using organic solvents, eliminating the harmful components that cause peptic ulcers while retaining the therapeutic ferric citrate
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method produces ferric citrate hydrate with a BET specific surface area of 50-140 m2/g, enhancing solubility and reducing side effects, allowing for effective treatment of hyperphosphatemia with lower doses and improved purity.
Implementation Method 1
dissolving ferric citrate into water containing citric acid
Implementation Method 2
bringing the solution into contact with water-soluble organic solvent
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for efficiently producing ferric citrate hydrate with high purity and various specific surface areas. The method for producing modified ferric citrate hydrate includes a step of bringing a solution containing water, citric acid, and ferric citrate as a material into contact with water-soluble organic solvent.