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Polymorphism in Molecular Crystals and Cocrystals

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Advances in Organic Crystal Chemistry

Abstract

Polymorphism refers to a compound’s ability to exist in more than one crystalline modification through variations in the solid-state structures. Over the years, polymorphism has received extensive academic and industrial attention because of its impact on physical and chemical properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients and materials. It is preferable to develop the most stable polymorph to avoid unwanted phase transformation during processing and manufacturing. Therefore, a thorough polymorph screening and complete characterization of all the polymorphs are vital for understanding stability and phase transformations among different polymorphs. Recent advances in screening methodologies and analytical techniques paved ways for successful identification of potential polymorphs. While polymorphism in active pharmaceutical ingredients and single-component crystals is widely studied, such studies in multicomponent crystals such as cocrystals have received significant attention only in recent years. This chapter highlights some recent polymorphic systems of molecular crystals and cocrystals and emphasizes the potential implications of polymorphism in pharmaceutical and materials science. A brief history of polymorphism, factors that control the crystallization of polymorphs, thermodynamic aspects, and recent advances in screening methodologies and analytical techniques are also covered.

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Acknowledgments

SA thanks Prof. Reginald B. H. Tan and Dr. Pui Shan Chow of the Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences for encouragement and support and the Science and Engineering Research Council of A*STAR, Singapore, for research funding.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Crystallization and Particle Science, Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, 627833, Singapore

    Srinivasulu Aitipamula

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  1. Srinivasulu Aitipamula
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Correspondence to Srinivasulu Aitipamula .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan

    Rui Tamura

  2. The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan

    Mikiji Miyata

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Aitipamula, S. (2015). Polymorphism in Molecular Crystals and Cocrystals. In: Tamura, R., Miyata, M. (eds) Advances in Organic Crystal Chemistry. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-55555-1_14

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