Surface Mediated Structures: Stabilization of Metastable Polymorphs on the Example of Paracetamol

Heike M. A. Ehmann*, Oliver Werzer

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The preparation of typically thermodynamically unstable polymorphic structures is a challenge. However, solid surfaces are well established aids for the formation and stabilization of polymorphic structures within, for instance, organic electronics. In this study, we report the stabilization of a pharmaceutically relevant substance via a solid surface at ambient conditions. Form III of paracetamol, which is typically unstable in the bulk at standard conditions, can be stabilized with a model silica surface by a standard spin coating procedure followed by rapid heat treatment. Such a preparation technique allows the use of atomic force microscopy and grazing incidence X-ray diffraction measurements revealing detailed information on the morphology and structure of the polymorph. Furthermore, the results exhibit that this polymorph is stable over a long period of time revealing surface mediated stabilization. These findings demonstrate a novel approach to provide thermodynamic stability when applied to similar molecules with specific applications.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3680-3684
JournalCrystal Growth & Design
Volume14
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

Fields of Expertise

  • Advanced Materials Science

Treatment code (Nähere Zuordnung)

  • Basic - Fundamental (Grundlagenforschung)
  • Application
  • Experimental

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