Do solid-to-solid polymorphic transitions in DL-norleucine proceed through nucleation?

Faraday Discuss. 2015:179:421-36. doi: 10.1039/c4fd00214h. Epub 2015 Apr 16.

Abstract

DL-Norleucine is a molecular crystal exhibiting two enantiotropic phase transitions. The high temperature α ↔ γ transition has been shown to proceed through nucleation and growth [Mnyukh et al., J. Phys. Chem. Solids, 1975, 36, 127]. We focus on the low temperature β ↔ α transition in a combined computational and experimental study. The temperature dependence of the structural and energetic properties of both polymorphic forms is nearly identical. Molecular dynamics simulations and nudged elastic band calculations of the transition process itself, suggest that the transition is governed by cooperative movements of bilayers over relatively large energy barriers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Crystallization
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation
  • Norleucine / chemistry*
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Norleucine