Screening, preparation and characterization of diosgenin versatile solvates

Area of Science:

• Solid-state chemistry
• Crystallography
• Supramolecular chemistry

Background:

• Diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin, is a precursor for synthesizing various steroid-based pharmaceuticals.
• Understanding diosgenin's solid-state behavior, including solvate formation, is crucial for its purification, formulation, and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and characterize solvatomorphism in diosgenin.
• To explore the structural diversity and intermolecular interactions of diosgenin solvates.
• To report the first instance of solvate transformation in diosgenin.

Main Methods:

• Single-crystal X-ray diffraction for crystal structure determination.
• Hirshfeld surface analysis to probe intermolecular interactions.
• Powder X-ray diffraction, DSC, TGA, and FTIR for comprehensive characterization.

Main Results:

• Diosgenin solvates with DMSO, DMF, DMAC, and methanol were successfully obtained and crystallized.
• Crystal structures revealed specific solvent types and stoichiometric ratios.
• Hirshfeld analysis elucidated key intermolecular interactions, while other techniques confirmed solvate properties.
• The study reports the novel observation of diosgenin solvate transformations.

Conclusions:

• Diosgenin exhibits significant solvatomorphism, forming distinct crystalline solvates with various organic solvents.
• Intermolecular interactions play a critical role in stabilizing these diosgenin solvates.
• The discovery of solvate transformations opens new avenues for controlling diosgenin's solid-state forms.