This document discusses complexation and its applications. It defines complex compounds as molecules where most bonding can be described by classical theories of valency, but one or more bonds are anomalous. Complexes form via covalent, van der Waals, ion-dipole, and hydrogen bonding interactions. Complexes exhibit properties like solubility and reactivity that differ from their components. Applications of complexes in pharmacy include altering the physical state of drugs for processing, reducing volatility to increase stability, enhancing solid state stability of vitamins, and improving solubility and dissolution of drugs. Some important drug complexes are cisplatin and povidone iodine. Complexes can be classified as metal, organic molecular, or inclusion complexes.
2. Complex Compounds
Complex compounds are defined as those molecules in which most of the
bonding structures can be described by classical theories of valency between
atoms but one or more of these bonds are anomalous .
The intermolecular forces involved in the formation of complexes are :
Covalent or co - ordinated bonds
Van der waals forces
Ion-dipole , dipole-dipole interactions
Hydrogen Bonding
3. Properties of Complexes
Complexes possess some properties which are different from those of its
components .
Properties such as solubility, light absorption, conductance, partitioning
behavior and chemical reactivity are studied to confirm the formation of
complexes.
4. Applications of complexes in pharmacy
Physical state can be altered with complex formation for processing tasks e.g
nitroglycerine can be transformed to crystalline inclusion complex with Beta
cyclodextrin.
Volatility can be reduced to increase stability or reduce bad odour e.g
formulation of iodine as a complex with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) .
Solid state stability can be enhanced e.g Beta cyclodextrin complexes of
vitamin A and D are stabilized chemically.
Chemical Stability can be altered e.g rate of hydrolysis of benzocaine can be
reduced by complexing it with caffeine.
Solubility can be enhanced e.g at low concentrations caffeine enhances the
solubility of P-amino benzoic acid (PABA) .
5. Applications of complexes in pharmacy
Dissolution can be improved e.g dissolution rate of phenobarbital is enhanced
by cyclodextrin inclusion complexes .
There are many other uses of complexes in pharmacy
Absorption and Availability
Reduced Toxicity
Antidote
Antibacterial Activity