Crystallization of Organic Molecules: Nonclassical Mechanism Revealed by Direct Imaging

Yael Tsarfati, Shaked Rosenne, Haim Weissman, Linda J.W. Shimon, Dvir Gur, Benjamin A. Palmer, Boris Rybtchinski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

101 Scopus citations

Abstract

Organic crystals are of primary importance in pharmaceuticals, functional materials, and biological systems; however, organic crystallization mechanisms are not well-understood. It has been recognized that "nonclassical" organic crystallization from solution involving transient amorphous precursors is ubiquitous. Understanding how these precursors evolve into crystals is a key challenge. Here, we uncover the crystallization mechanisms of two simple aromatic compounds (perylene diimides), employing direct structural imaging by cryogenic electron microscopy. We reveal the continuous evolution of density, morphology, and order during the crystallization of very different amorphous precursors (well-defined aggregates and diffuse dense liquid phase). Crystallization starts from initial densification of the precursors. Subsequent evolution of crystalline order is gradual, involving further densification concurrent with optimization of molecular ordering and morphology. These findings may have implications for the rational design of organic crystals.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1031-1036
Number of pages6
JournalACS Central Science
Volume4
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - 22 Aug 2018
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering

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