Diffuse scattering as an aid to the understanding of polymorphism in pharmaceuticals

T. R. Welberry*, E. J. Chan, D. J. Goossens, A. P. Heerdegen

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    5 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Polymorphism occurs when the same molecular compound can crystallize in more than one distinct crystal structure. Its study is a field of great interest and activity. This is largely driven by its importance in the pharmaceutical industry, but polymorphism is also an issue in the pigments, dyes, and explosives industries. The polymorph formed by a compound generally exerts a strong influence on its solid-state properties. The polymorphic form of a drug molecule may affect the ease of manufacture and processing, shelf life, and most significantly the rate of uptake of the molecule by the human body. They can even vary in toxicity; one polymorph may be safe, while a second may be toxic. In this review of recently published work, we show how diffuse scattering experiments coupled with Monte Carlo (MC) computer modeling can aid in the understanding of polymorphism. Examples of the two common pharmaceuticals, benzocaine and aspirin, both of which are bimorphic, at ambient temperatures, are discussed.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1434-1444
    Number of pages11
    JournalMetallurgical and Materials Transactions A: Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science
    Volume43
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - May 2012

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