Relationship between crystal structure and mechanical properties of ranitidine hydrochloride polymorphs

Polymorphism plays a critical role during pharmaceutical development, as it helps in the selection of optimal solid form. In present study, mechanical properties of ranitidine hydrochloride polymorphs were studied using instrumented tablet press, to understand the effect of crystal packing on the compaction behaviour. Out-of-die compressibility plot and Heckel analysis confirmed greater plastic deformation of form II over form I. Detailed crystallographic examination revealed that form I has several weak C-H⋯O interactions across the 'proposed slip plane' parallel to (-2 0 2) that prevent slip under compaction pressure. On the other hand, crystal structure of form II was relatively more open and multiple slip were possible under compaction pressure. These crystallographic features offered increased compressibility and deformability to form II. In absence of an active slip plane system, closed crystal structure of form I resists deformation under compaction pressure and hence showed poor compressibility and higher mean yield pressure. However, form I showed greater tabletability at a given compaction pressure, by virtue of its greater bonding strength.