Abstract
In an attempt to understand the fast formation of diastereomerically
enriched crystals in a Dutch resolution system, the nucleation and growth
behaviour of such a system was investigated by in situ optical microscopy.
Nucleation was observed to follow two pathways: nuclei crystal formation
and ribbon formation. The shape of these ribbons (flat, helical or twisted)
was dependent on the composition of the system. Hindrance during growth
of the ribbons was observed to result in cleavage of the ribbons, creating
new crystals. After continued growth, the ribbons develop into needles.
This is most likely caused by the introduction of defects and not by a
change in crystal polymorph.