COMF: Comprehensive Model-Fitting Method for Simulating Isothermal and Single-Step Solid-State Reactions

It is well known that the implementation of the conventional model-fitting (CMF) method leads to several indistinguishable ‘best’ candidate models (BCMs) for a single-step isothermal solid-state reaction (ISSR), meaning that subjective selection becomes unavoidable. Here, we developed a more robust comprehensive model-fitting method (COMF) which, while maintaining the mathematical simplicity of CMF, utilizes a ranking criterion that enables automatic and unambiguous determination of the BCM. For each model evaluated, COMF, like CMF, fits the integral reaction rate, but, unlike CMF, it also fits the experimental conversion fraction and reaction speed. From this, three different determination coefficients are calculated and combined to rank the considered models. To validate COMF, we used two sets of experimental kinetic data from the literature regarding the isothermal desolvation of pharmaceutical solvates: (i) tetrahydrofuran solvates of sulfameter, and (ii) methanol solvates of ciclesonide. Our results suggest that from an algorithmic perspective, COMF could become the model-fitting method of choice for ISSRs making the selection of BCM easier and more reliable.