R-MDMA HCl Form I Crystallization for Stable Enantiopure Polymorphs

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to identify stable polymorphic crystalline forms of R-MDMA HCl and produce compositions comprising stable crystalline forms of R-MDMA HCl, as existing reports primarily focus on the hydrochloride salt of racemic MDMA.

Innovation Solution

A process is developed for the preparation of enantiopure (R)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) HCl salt, characterized by specific X-ray Powder Diffraction (XPRD) patterns, monoclinic crystal system, and high solubility in water, with a stable crystalline form (Form I) that exhibits physical stability under high humidity and thermal stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing synthesis methods for MDMA are used, then the production of racemic MDMA hydrochloride salt is achieved, but the identification of stable polymorphic crystalline forms of enantiopure R-MDMA HCl is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification of stable polymorphic crystalline formsVSAvoidsynthesis process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the synthesis conditions and purification parameters to achieve enantiopure R-MDMA HCl in a specific crystalline form (Form I). By controlling temperature, solvent selection, and crystallization parameters, the patent obtains the desired polymorphic form with high enantiomeric excess, resolving the contradiction between form identification and synthesis complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by referring to known synthesis routes for racemic MDMA and adapting them specifically for enantiopure R-MDMA production. The synthesis process copies the established methodology while implementing specific chiral control measures, thereby simplifying the overall process while achieving the desired enantiopurity and crystalline form.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional synthesis methods are used, then racemic MDMA hydrochloride salt is produced, but enantiopure R-MDMA HCl with high enantiomeric excess cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenantiomeric excessVSAvoidsynthesis process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing chiral specificity at a particular stage of the synthesis process. Rather than requiring the entire synthesis process to be complex, the patent implements local chiral control measures that achieve enantiopurity at the critical step, thereby maintaining overall process simplicity while obtaining high enantiomeric excess.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting specific synthesis parameters (temperature, solvent composition, purification conditions) to favor the formation of the desired enantiomer. These parameter modifications enable the achievement of high enantiomeric excess without requiring complex chiral synthesis methodologies, thus maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If R-MDMA HCl Form I is produced with high solubility, then bioavailability may be improved, but thermal stability and physical stability under humidity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolubility in waterVSAvoidphysical stability under humidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the crystallization parameters to achieve a balance between solubility and stability. By controlling temperature profiles, solvent ratios, and drying conditions, the patent obtains Form I with high solubility while maintaining physical stability under humidity, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the concept of disposable by employing temporary protective measures during storage and handling. The patent provides storage conditions and formulation recommendations that temporarily protect the compound from humidity-induced degradation, allowing the compound to maintain its stability while achieving high solubility in the final product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 process provides R-MDMA HCl Form I with high solubility, thermal stability, and physical stability, achieving an enantiomeric excess of at least 99.5% and a streamlined synthesis without the need for expensive chiral ligands or diastereomeric salt resolutions.

Implementation Method 1

R-MDMA HCl Form I is characterized by an X-ray Powder Diffraction (XPRD) pattern substantially similar to 204 in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. In Embodiments, MDMA HCl Form I is characterized by peaks in an XPRD pattern at 17.5±0.2, 24.8±0.2, 15.8±0.2, 20.5±0.2, 14.0±0.2, 26.7±0.2, 29.0±0.2, 37.9±0.2, 7.9±0.2°2θ.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray diffraction: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

R-MDMA HCl Form I exhibits a Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) thermogram comprising an endotherm peak at 186° C. with an onset at 185° C.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDifferential scanning calorimetry: Calorimetry

Implementation Method 3

R-MDMA HCl Form I exhibits 0.2±0.1% weight loss between 52-231° C. as measured by thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermogravimetric analysis:

Implementation Method 4

R-MDMA HCl Form I exhibits 5.28±0.02% weight gain from 5-95% relative humidity (RH) and a 5.35±0.02% weight loss from 95-5% RH at 10% RH increments under a nitrogen purge as measured by Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDynamic vapor sorption: Sorption

Data Source

PatentUS12492178B2Stable polymorph of R-MDMA HCl
Publication Date: 2025.12.09 EMPATHBIO INC
  • US12492178B2 patent drawing
  • US12492178B2 patent drawing
  • US12492178B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided herein is a process for the preparation of (R)-3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine HCl Form 1.