Polymorphous
What is Polymorphous?
Polymorphism in chemistry refers to the ability of a solid material to exist in more than one crystalline form (polymorph) with the same chemical composition but different crystal structures and physical properties. Carbon is the classic example, existing as diamond (cubic), graphite (hexagonal), and fullerenes. Polymorphism is of critical importance in pharmaceuticals, as different polymorphs of a drug can have markedly different solubilities, bioavailabilities, and stabilities.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Polymorphism in chemistry refers to the ability of a solid material to exist in more than one crystalline form (polymorph) with the same chemical composition but different crystal structures and physical properties. Carbon is the classic example, existing as diamond (cubic), graphite (hexagonal), and fullerenes. Polymorphism is of critical importance in pharmaceuticals, as different polymorphs of a drug can have markedly different solubilities, bioavailabilities, and stabilities.