This contribution presents a novel and comparative study
on the
relationship between the crystal structure and the property diversity
of a complex polymorph system of nicorandil oxalate (NIC-OA) salts.
Single-crystal structures of four salt polymorphs with 1:1 stoichiometry
were prepared, and crystal structure analysis revealed the difference
of configuration and tautomer structure among those polymorphs. Bulk
samples of three polymorphs (S1, S3 and S4) were successfully isolated
from ethanol/water solution, while the metastable form S2 could not
be obtained. Detailed property studies including solvent-mediated
polymorph transformation, physical-chemical stability, and intrinsic
dissolution of those polymorphs were conducted. Phase transformation
from S3 to S4 in high-humidity conditions and accelerated conditions
was driven by lowering of lattice energy. High hygroscopicity would
accelerate the process. All polymorphs showed better chemical stability
and greater dissolution rate compared to NIC. The binding energy between
NIC and oxalate acid and crystal-solvent interaction were studied
to investigate the correlation between polymorph packing and bulk
property. The chemical stability of NIC was affected by the diversity
in cation–anion binding modes, while the dissolution process
of the polymorphs was influenced by the crystal face differences and
the interaction between the crystal and solvent. It is the first time
that four crystalline forms of NIC-OA are reported, and the structure
and property diversity among these salt polymorphs are revealed with
experiments and the quantum chemistry method, which provided new insights
into the NIC-OA polymorphs in the crystal engineering field and might
contribute to the property research of the complex pharmaceutical
polymorphism system.