Student Research Symposium Program Portal: Submission #90

Abstract Cocrystals are significant in the medical and pharmaceutical industries as they function in pharmaceutical development. Cocrystals provide a way to tailor and modify a drug molecule's physical properties, such as the stability and dissolution rate, without altering its chemical makeup. This research will address the cocrystal of citric acid and paracetamol. This cocrystal is formed through hydrogen bonding that causes the molecules of citric acid and paracetamol to take a crystalline form. When these crystals are formed potentially improved properties are created in comparison to the individual components. With paracetamol, a common pain reliever, these improved properties make it more readily absorbed by the body when administered orally, essentially making it a more efficient drug. Prior to this research, a melting point phase diagram was not known for this cocrystal. A melting point phase diagram of cocrystals is important as it provides a visual representation to determine the composition and stability of the resulting cocrystal. This research will determine and present the melting point phase diagram of the citric acid and paracetamol cocrystal which will allow researchers to identify the optimal conditions for cocrystal formation.