Moisture determination in hygroscopic drug substances by near infrared spectroscopy.

The moisture level in a hygroscopic drug substance was successfully determined by near infrared spectroscopy using coulometric Karl Fischer titration as the reference method. The importance of sample handling and proper application of the reference technique are stressed for this difficult sample type. Samples were prepared with moisture levels from 0.5 to 11.4% (w/w) and reflectance spectra were collected over the spectral range 1100-2500 nm. Calibration models were built using partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis. Optimum models were found by choosing proper spectral ranges and number of PLS factors. The best calibration models were built using first derivative spectra, a spectral range of 1850-1936 nm and 5 PLS factors. The corresponding standard error of prediction was 0.11% (w/w) water.