Novel crystalline forms of aripiprazole

Abstract

The present invention provides novel crystalline forms of aripiprazole and aripiprazole hydrochloride, processes for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

1 - 13 . (canceled)  
     
     
         14 . A crystalline Form B of aripiprazole hydrochloride characterized by an x-ray powder diffraction pattern having peaks expressed as 2θ at about 9.3, 14.8, 16.4, 17.4, 18.7, 19.7, 21.4, 21.9, 23.8, 25.1, 25.9, 29.7 degrees.  
     
     
         15 . A crystalline aripiprazole hydrochloride, characterized by an x-ray powder diffraction pattern as in  FIG. 4 .  
     
     
         16 . A process for preparation of Form B of aripiprazole hydrochloride of  claim 14 , comprising the steps of: 
 a) dissolving aripiprazole in a ketonic solvent;    b) adding hydrochloric acid;    c) maintaining for about 1 hour to 4 hours at about 15° C. to 25° C.; and    d) filtering the solid separated;    wherein the ketonic solvent is selected from the group consisting of acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone and methyl ethyl ketone.    
     
     
         17 . A process according to  claim 16 , wherein the ketone is acetone.  
     
     
         18 . A process according to  claim 16 , wherein the ketone is methyl isobutyl ketone.  
     
     
         19 - 30 . (canceled)