Microwave heating is rapid, efficient, selective and volumetric. We explore the application of these unique properties in the dehydration and subsequent polymorph selection of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Traditional heating methods, such as hot plates, oil baths, and ovens are often lengthy in time and require the application of heat to the entire material. Microwave heating, on the other hand, takes advantage of the affinity and selectivity of the microwaves to the water molecules present in hydrated crystalline structures, therefore allowing for unique dehydration paths. This project explores the outcomes of using microwave heating to dehydrate caffeine -- an API commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Bambrick, Sofia Michaela

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042408-120135

Advisor

• Thalladi, Venkat R.

Year

• 2008

Date created

• 2008-04-24

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemistry

Rights statement

• In Copyright