Green Analytical Approach for HPLC Method Development for Quantification of Sorafenib and Its Pharmacopeia Impurities: LC–MS/MS Characterization and Toxicity Prediction of Stress Degradation Products

Abstract

This research presents the development and validation of chromatographic method for analyzing sorafenib and its pharmacopeial impurities, with a focus on stability studies and degradation product (DP) characterization. Initial method optimization involved exploring various column and buffer combinations, ultimately achieving optimal separation and peak symmetry using an ODS-AQ YMC (150 mm) column with 0.6 mL/min gradient flow of 10 mM ammonium formate buffer adjusted to pH 3.4 with formic acid as solvent A, and ethanol as solvent B as mobile phase and 246 nm wavelength. Method exhibits calibration curve linear in 50–300 µg/mL for sorafenib and 0.050–0.30 µg/mL for impurities with a detection limit of 0.015 µg/mL for impurities. A structural elucidation of DPs was performed using LC–MS/MS, providing valuable insights into their molecular compositions, and was characterized as 4-[4-(carboxyamino)phenoxy]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid (DP 1) and 4-(4-aminophenoxy)pyridine-2-carboxamide (DP 2). Using AGREE and GAPI metrics, evaluation highlighted method sustainability through ethanol–water solvents and shorter column to reduce energy consumption. Toxicity assessments revealed differences in environmental impact and toxicological profiles of DPs, emphasizing importance of managing safety considerations for sorafenib and its DPs. This research offers novel insights into sorafenib analysis by addressing pharmacopeial impurities, characterizing DPs, and evaluating method sustainability and safety.