Separation and nucleation control of α and β polymorphs of L: -glutamic acid by swift cooling crystallization process

Amino Acids. 2011 Apr;40(4):1257-60. doi: 10.1007/s00726-010-0673-5. Epub 2010 Jul 1.

Abstract

Separation of crystal nucleation of the two known polymorphs of L: -glutamic acid, the metastable α and the stable β, from pure aqueous solution is attained by following a swift cooling crystallization process. Results elucidate a clear distinction of the preferred nucleation regions of α, β and combinations of α and β in the temperature range between 1 and 40°C. Also, the type of nucleation is supersaturation dependent: higher supersaturation favours α and lower supersaturation favours β. Morphology and structure of the polymorphs confirm their form of crystallization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cold Temperature
  • Crystallization
  • Glutamic Acid / chemistry*
  • Solutions
  • Water
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Solutions
  • Water
  • Glutamic Acid