Molecular-resolution images of aspirin crystals with atomic force microscopy

The atomic force microscope was developed in order to image arrays of molecules on the (001), (100) and (011) faces of aspirin crystals in water. Lattice spacings and symmetries of methyl groups and the part of the phenyl groups on the (001) face in water are consistent with X-ray diffraction data. Surfaces of the (100) face that show the best-developed cleavage, in general, are difficult to image. Although the lattice constant derived from (100) image is consistent with the X-ray diffraction data, the c-glide plane symmetry is lost and diffused spots are observed that are 1.8-3.1 times more elongated than (001) spots. It is not possible to image the (011) surface. This initial success in imaging the molecular crystal surfaces of drug compounds has clarified the different submolecular structures of the three different crystal faces, and the close relationship between the imaging difficulties and the differences in the dissolution process in water.