I recently learned about disappearing polymorphs. I understand the general concept behind it and why the morphs sometimes happen or spread. What I don’t understand however is why the new, more efficient polymorph prevents the less efficient one from ever being created again. What I mean is this: A batch of crystals is made and polymorphs into a new structure. Ok fine. That happened. So I throw out that polymorphed batch and make it again. But when I try to re-make the batch, it comes out as the new morph, not the original structure. What is physically preventing a the old morph from being made again? If the manufacturing area is thoroughly cleaned and completely wiped of any trace of the original structure, what influences any further batches into being created in the new structure? It also seems like ‘magic’ for lack of a better word that is compelling any batch going forward to take on a new structure rather than the old one.
In: Chemistry
>But when I try to re-make the batch, it comes out as the new morph, not the original structure. What is physically preventing a the old morph from being made again? If the manufacturing area is thoroughly cleaned and completely wiped of any trace of the original structure, what influences any further batches into being created in the new structure?
Nothing. What you are underestimating is the difficulty in actually completely removing all traces of the polymorph. Because of the way crystals grow, any microscopically small amount of the polymorph will cause the chemical to form into that structure. And it is essentially impossible to scrub literally everything out of the air, out of every nook and cranny, etc.
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