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.
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.
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.
Theoretical and experimental studies indicate that crystal nucleation can take more complex pathways than expected on the ground of the classical nucleation theory. 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.
The custom-made acoustic levitator using in these experiments regulates the influence that solid surfaces, temperature, and humidity have on the crystallization process. The investigations of the crystallization process of paracetamol were performed with in situ analytical techniques and theoretical simulations to gain a comprehensive insight into processes, occurring intermediates, and required reaction conditions. The targeted choice of the solvent and the concentration enabled the guidance of the pathways, therefore, resulting in the isolation of one desired crystalline structure.