Thermal hazard investigation of a pharmaceutical intermediate

During the process development of a pharmaceutical advanced intermediate, new chemistry using an aqueous workup resulted in the discovery of a new hydrated crystal form of this intermediate. This hydrated crystal form showed thermal instability at a relatively low temperature compared to the original anhydrous form. Thermal stability and associated process safety hazards were investigated in order to ensure process safety and transportation safety of this intermediate. (C) 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers