Polymorphism in Molecular Crystals

Book excerpt: Polymorphism - the multiplicity of structures or forms - is a term that is used in many disciplines. In chemistry it refers to the existence of more than one crystal structure for a particular chemical substance. The properties of a substance are determined by its composition and by its structure. In the last two decades, there has been a sharp rise in the interest in polymorphic systems, as an intrinsically interesting phenomenon and as an increasingly important component in the development and marketing of a variety of materials based on organic molecules (e.g. pharmaceuticals, dyes and pigments, explosives, etc.). This book summarizes and brings up to date the current knowledge and understanding of polymorphism of molecular crystals, and concentrates it in one comprehensive source. The book will be an invaluable reference for students, researchers, and professionals in the field.