Work

Uncovering a Hidden Polymorph of l -Serine through Additive-Mediated Crystallization

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A new polymorph of l -serine (form V) was discovered via additive-mediated crystallization under ambient pressure─only the second anhydrous form obtained without the need for high-pressure conditions. Its structure features zwitterionic dimers stabilized by N–H ··· O and O–H ··· O hydrogen bonds, resembling the hydrate form to some extent but lacking solvent incorporation. This might indicate a solvent-mediated nucleation mechanism. Periodic DFT calculations show that form V is more stable than that of form I at 0 K, but Gibbs free energy and entropy analysis indicates a temperature-dependent crossover, with form I favored at higher temperatures. These findings underscore the role of supramolecular assembly and solution conditions in polymorph formation, emphasizing the need for combined structural and thermodynamic analysis.

Source: Crystal Growth & Design

DOI: 10.1021/acs.cgd.5c00688

Authors: Szymon Grabowski, Agnieszka Skórska-Stania, Marlena Gryl

Institution: Jagiellonian University

Language: English

Topic: Crystallization and Solubility Studies

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: Narodowe Centrum Nauki, Infrastruktura PL-Grid

Awards: G4439882668, G7738904298