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Cephalexin: a channel hydrate.

Alan R Kennedy1, Maurice O Okoth, David B Sheen

  • 1Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XL, Scotland. a.r.kennedy@strath.ac.uk

Acta Crystallographica. Section C, Crystal Structure Communications
|November 8, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Cephalexin, an antibiotic, forms various water solvates. Its crystal structure reveals complex channels facilitating rapid water molecule movement, impacting its solvation behavior.

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Area of Science:

  • Crystallography
  • Solid-state chemistry
  • Pharmaceutical science

Background:

  • Cephalexin is a widely used antibiotic.
  • Antibiotics can form solvates, affecting their stability and properties.
  • Understanding cephalexin's solvation is crucial for its formulation and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the crystal structure of a cephalexin hydrate.
  • To investigate the solvation/desolvation behavior of cephalexin.
  • To elucidate the role of crystal structure in solvent interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Single-crystal X-ray diffraction was used to determine the crystal structure.
  • Analysis of the asymmetric unit revealed the number of cephalexin molecules and water molecules.

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  • Investigation of crystallographic channels to understand solvent mobility.

    • Main Results:

    • The determined structure contains three independent cephalexin molecules (one disordered) and 5.72 water molecules per asymmetric unit.
    • The hydration state is close to the maximum possible, indicating significant water incorporation.
    • A complex channel network within the crystal lattice was identified, allowing solvent movement along specific directions.

    Conclusions:

    • Cephalexin exhibits facile solvation/desolvation due to its crystal lattice structure.
    • The identified channels are key to the rapid movement of solvent molecules.
    • This structural insight is important for understanding cephalexin's solid-state properties and potential formulation strategies.