Polymorphism and Crystal Forms in Industry
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles governing of solid-state chemistry of crystal forms. Key topics include polymorphic behavior, thermodynamics and kinetics of phase transitions, polymorphism, and crystallization techniques, equipping students with the necessary knowledge to tackle solid-state challenges in industrial applications.
Additionally, the course will introduce essential analytical techniques for solid-state characterization, covering X-ray powder diffraction (both laboratory scale and synchrotron radiation), X-ray fluorescence, thermal analyses, hot-stage microscopy, and advanced combined or in situ techniques. By the end of the course, students will develop the analytical skills required to independently address qualitative and quantitative solid-state problems of industrial relevance.
Additionally, the course will introduce essential analytical techniques for solid-state characterization, covering X-ray powder diffraction (both laboratory scale and synchrotron radiation), X-ray fluorescence, thermal analyses, hot-stage microscopy, and advanced combined or in situ techniques. By the end of the course, students will develop the analytical skills required to independently address qualitative and quantitative solid-state problems of industrial relevance.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze and solve common qualitative and quantitative solid-state challenges relevant to industrial applications. They will gain the ability to describe and interpret phase transitions, polymorphic behavior, and crystallization processes, as well as to apply best practices for crystallization and solid-state optimization in the production of pharmaceuticals, pigments, and other industrially relevant materials.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Part 1 (3 CFU): Principles of X-ray diffraction. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis: introduction; instrumentation and practical aspects. Qualitative analysis with powder X-ray diffraction. Quantitative analysis of multiple phases (the use of RIR and Rietveld refinement). Data banks for powder X-ray diffraction data and their use for phase analysis. NIST standards for powder X ray diffraction. Microstructural properties. The synchrotron radiation: differences with laboratory sources and application in industry. X-ray fluorescence analysis. Qualitative and quantitative methods. Thermal analyses: principles. Thermogravimetry and differential calorimetry (theory and applications). Hot-stage microscopy: principles and applications.
Part 2 (3 CFU): Solid state chemistry in the pharmaceutical and pigments in industry. Polymorphism and phase transitions. Crystallization techniques. Thermodynamic and kinetic characterization of solid forms. Application of powder X-ray diffraction and thermal analyses on polymorphic systems. The importance of the amorphous state. The use of synchrotron radiation for determination of polymorphic contamination. Continuous crystallization techniques. Examples of industrial relevant problems dealing with solid state characterization of crystalline forms.
Part 2 (3 CFU): Solid state chemistry in the pharmaceutical and pigments in industry. Polymorphism and phase transitions. Crystallization techniques. Thermodynamic and kinetic characterization of solid forms. Application of powder X-ray diffraction and thermal analyses on polymorphic systems. The importance of the amorphous state. The use of synchrotron radiation for determination of polymorphic contamination. Continuous crystallization techniques. Examples of industrial relevant problems dealing with solid state characterization of crystalline forms.
Prerequisites for admission
Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of organic chemistry and molecular structure, as well as of mathematics and numerical methods covered in the first-year curriculum.
The following courses are also recommended as prerequisites:
· General and Inorganic Chemistry/Organic Chemistry 1
· Advanced Mathematics and Numerical Methods.
The following courses are also recommended as prerequisites:
· General and Inorganic Chemistry/Organic Chemistry 1
· Advanced Mathematics and Numerical Methods.
Teaching methods
The teaching approach combines different methods to enhance learning and student engagement. Lectures supported by slide presentations provide a structured delivery of the course content, complemented by explanations at the board to promote a deeper understanding. Guided exercises, including case studies, allow students to apply the concepts in practice with the support of the instructor.
Interactive participation may also be encouraged through the use of an app enabling real-time interaction with the class. Short questions may be asked anonymously to assess understanding immediately, promote active participation, and provide rapid feedback. When appropriate, computer-based practical sessions will give students hands-on experience in applying the methods learned to real case studies.
Interactive participation may also be encouraged through the use of an app enabling real-time interaction with the class. Short questions may be asked anonymously to assess understanding immediately, promote active participation, and provide rapid feedback. When appropriate, computer-based practical sessions will give students hands-on experience in applying the methods learned to real case studies.
Teaching Resources
Fundamentals of Powder Diffraction and Structural Characterization of Materials, 2nd Edition. Pecharsky
Powder Diffraction: Theory and Practice. Dinnebier and Billige
Polymorphism in molecular crystals. Bernstain
Polymorphism in the pharmaceutical Industry. R. Hilfiker.
Introduction to Thermal Analysis: Techniques and Applications. E. Brown
The teaching material also includes the slides projected at the course and the lectures produced by the teacher on the topics dealt with in the classroom.
Powder Diffraction: Theory and Practice. Dinnebier and Billige
Polymorphism in molecular crystals. Bernstain
Polymorphism in the pharmaceutical Industry. R. Hilfiker.
Introduction to Thermal Analysis: Techniques and Applications. E. Brown
The teaching material also includes the slides projected at the course and the lectures produced by the teacher on the topics dealt with in the classroom.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written exam: the course includes a final test with the assignment of a mark. The outcome of the test is in thirtieths: the test is considered complete if the candidate obtains a score of at least 18/30.
The test is related to the course topics and includes at least two open questions on the theoretical part and at least two exercises of qualitative and/or quantitative analyses. To each question will be provided a specific score, related to the complexity and length of the question, for a total of 30 points.
The test is related to the course topics and includes at least two open questions on the theoretical part and at least two exercises of qualitative and/or quantitative analyses. To each question will be provided a specific score, related to the complexity and length of the question, for a total of 30 points.
CHEM-03/A - General and Inorganic Chemistry - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Colombo Valentina
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Colombo ValentinaProfessor(s)