Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2026

A Sample Preparation Pipeline for Microcrystals at the VMXm Beamline
Published on: June 17, 2021
Organic Vapor-Induced Microscopic Behaviors in Molecular Crystals
Xiao Ma1, Kyoko Enomoto1, Yuki Matsuda2
1Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Understanding and controlling the phase transitions of molecular crystals remain one of the most challenging, important issues in molecular science and technology. In this study, confocal laser microscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction were used together to observe an organic vapor-induced single-crystal-to-single-crystal phase transition of fac-[Re(CO)3Br(ppt)] (ppt = 2-pyridyl-4-phenylthiazole) crystals. The inclusion of CHCl3 vapor molecules induced dynamic, microscopic, cooperative single-crystal-to-single-crystal phase transition processes in > 50 µm-sized non-solvated crystals. CHCl3 vapor exposure caused recrystallization of 2-10 µm-sized crystals, whereas CHCl3 vapor-induced deliquescence was observed for ≤2 µm-sized crystals. These findings deepen scientific understanding of solid-state phase transitions at the molecular level.
Related Concept Videos
Phase Transitions: Vaporization and Condensation
Volatilization
Vaporization
Vapor Pressure
Crystal Growth: Principles of Crystallization
Initiating crystallization involves manipulating the concentration of the solute and the temperature of the solution. Since crystal growth occurs when the ratio of concentration and solubility of the solute in the solvent – the...
Vapor Pressure Lowering

