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Medicinal Chemistry

Chemistry In Pictures

Chemistry in Pictures: Forming good habits

by Manny Morone
July 26, 2018
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Most Popular in Synthesis

 

A side-by-side comparison of differently shaped crystals made using different solvents.
Credit: Billy Chen, Luke Schenck, Zhiwei Yin, and Alfred Y. Lee

When it comes to developing new pharmaceuticals, the molecular structure of a compound isn’t drugmakers’ only concern. Scientists at Merck & Co. Inc. in Rahway, N.J., are researching these crystals, which were made by crystallizing the same small-molecule drug candidate yet have noticeably different shapes, or crystal habits. The two habits are a result of the solvent used during crystallization: Isopropyl alcohol yields the rhombic platelets (left) while a mixture of ethyl acetate and toluene yield hexagonal ones (right). Pharma companies want to control crystal habits because a crystal’s shape can affect how well the drug dissolves, how stable the drug is in suspensions, and how easily it can be processed while being synthesized.

Submitted by Billy Chen, Luke Schenck, Zhiwei Yin, and Alfred Y. Lee

Do science. Take pictures. Win money. Enter our photo contest here.

Related C&EN Content:

Chemistry in Pictures: Ruthenium rubies

Chemistry in Pictures: Blue ribbon crystals

Chemistry in Pictures: Enlightened suspension.

Chemical & Engineering News
ISSN 0009-2347
Copyright © 2025 American Chemical Society

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