Filtern
Dokumenttyp
Schlagworte
- Polymorphism (4)
- Crystallization (2)
- Raman spectroscopy (2)
- XRD (2)
- 4'-hydroxyacetophenone (1)
- Acoustic levitation (1)
- Carbamazepine (1)
- In situ Raman spectroscopy (1)
- In situ WAXS (1)
- In situ XRD (1)
The crystallization of a highly polymorphic compound was studied in situ by combined time-resolved X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Any influences of solid surfaces, temperature, and humidity on the crystallization were omitted by the use of a specially designed acoustic levitator. Investigations of polymorphic phase transitions during the crystallization process in different solvents allowed a structure assignment from first crystalline assemblies to final crystalline form. For the first time, it was possible to yield pure phases of selected polymorphs of the model compound ROY (5-methyl-2-[(2-nitrophenyl)amino]-3-thiophenecarbonitrile) directly from solution. The influence of the solvent on the final products and transient phases during the crystallization process was elucidated.
Carbamazepine (CBZ) is known for its variety of anhydrous and hydrous polymorphs. Herein, a thorough analysis of the crystallization behavior of CBZ is presented. The influence of the solvent and the concentration on the crystallization behavior under different environmental conditions is investigated by combined in situ XRD and Raman spectroscopy measurements. Crystallization studies conducted via conventional crystallization in glass tubes and in levitated droplets using an acoustic levitator indicate a dependence of the crystallization process from solvent and surface.
Particularly relevant in the context of polymorphism is understanding how structural, thermodynamic, and kinetic factors dictate the stability domains of polymorphs, their tendency to interconvert through phase transitions, or their possibility to exist in metastable states. These three aspects were investigated here for two 4′-hydroxyacetophenone (HAP) polymorphs, differing in crystal system, space group, and number and conformation of molecules in the asymmetric unit. The results led to a ΔfGm°-T phase diagram highlighting the enantiotropic nature of the system and the fact that the Z′=1 polymorph is not necessarily more stable than its Z′=2 counterpart. It was also shown that the form II → form I transition is entropy driven and is likely to occur through a nucleation and growth mechanism, which does not involve intermediate phases, and is characterized by a high activation energy. Finally, although it has been noted that conflicts between hydrogen bond formation and close packing are usually behind exceptions from the hypothesis of Z′=1 forms being more stable than their higher Z′ analogues, in this case, the HAP polymorph with stronger hydrogen bonds (Z′=2) is also the one with higher density.
Control of organic polymorph formation: crystallization pathways in acoustically levitated droplets
(2017)
Theoretical and experimental studies indicate that crystal nucleation can take more complex pathways than expected on the ground of the classical nucleation theory. Among these pathways are the formation of pre-nucleation clusters and amorphous precursor phases. A direct in situ observation of the different pathways of nucleation from solution is challenging since the paths can be influenced by heterogeneous nucleation sites, such as container walls. Here, we provide insights into the crystallization process using the in situ combination of an acoustic levitator, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray scattering. The contactless sample holder enables the observation of homogeneous crystallization processes and the detection of intermediates and final crystalline forms. We provide evidence for the existence of multiple pathways of nucleation based on the investigation of the crystallization of organic molecules from different solvents. Starting from a diluted solution, a supersaturation is reached during the experiment due to the evaporation of the solvent. The highly supersaturated solution reveals different pathways of crystallization. Depending on the degree of supersaturation either the thermodynamically stable or the metastable crystal form is observed.
While polymorphism is a common phenomenon in the crystallization processes of organic compounds, polyamorphism has gained importance only recently. Using sophisticated sample environments and applying in situ scattering methods and vibrational spectroscopy, the complete crystallization process of organic compounds from solution can be traced and characterized. Diffuse scattering from amorphous intermediates can be investigated by analyzing the atomic pair distribution function (PDF) to gain further insights into molecular pre-orientation. The crystallization behavior of paracetamol was studied exemplarily under defined, surface-free conditions. Based on the choice of the solvent, the formation of different polymorphs is promoted. The thermodynamically stable form I and the metastable orthorhombic form II could be isolated in pure form directly from solution. For both polymorphs, the crystallization from solution proceeds via a distinct amorphous precursor phase. PDF analyses of these different amorphous states indicate a specific pre-orientation of the analyte molecules introduced by the solvent. The resulting crystalline polymorph is already imprinted in these proto-crystalline precursors. Direct experimental evidence for the polyamorphism of paracetamol is provided.
Time-resolved in situ investigation of Portland cement hydration influenced by chemical admixtures
(2016)
Numerous admixtures are used in the building practice to customize the properties of the cement paste during application. The influences of admixtures on the course of cement hydration and formation of hydrate phases have to be considered. Polycarboxylate ether (PCE) based polymeric superplasticizers (SPs) are known to retard the setting of the cement paste. The extent of the retardation differs depending on the molecular structure of the SP. Additionally, the presence of a stabilizing agent (SA) in the cement paste has a retarding side effect on the setting. The initial cement hydration processes and the detailed mechanisms of the retardation influenced by PCEs, as well as their interactions with particular SAs, are insufficiently understood. Up to now, only the results of phenomenological studies were taken into account to describe this retardation process. A detailed structure analysis monitoring the change of the phase composition during the hydration was never applied. Both SP and SA affect the adsorption of the sulphate ions on the clinker particles, causing changes in the formation of ettringite during the initial hydration, and are therefore a crucial part of the setting process itself. Here, the initial hydration of cement influenced by the interaction of SP and SA was monitored in situ by synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The high time resolution of the measurements allowed a continuous detection of the hydrates formed. The hydration was followed from the starting point of water addition and for couple of hours afterwards. The hydration of the levitated cement pellets containing starch as SA was initialized by adding aqueous solutions of different commercial SPs. Changes in the ettringite formation were detected in comparison to the reference hydration of pure cement.