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Impact of molecular symmetry on crystallization pathways in highly supersaturated KH2PO4 solutions

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  • Yong Chan Cho

    (Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science)

  • Sooheyong Lee

    (Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science
    University of Science and Technology)

  • Lei Wang

    (Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science)

  • Yun-Hee Lee

    (Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science)

  • Seongheun Kim

    (POSTECH)

  • Hyun-Hwi Lee

    (POSTECH)

  • John Jonghyun Lee

    (Iowa State University)

  • Geun Woo Lee

    (Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science
    University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

Solute structure and its evolution in supersaturated aqueous solutions are key clues to understand Ostwald’s step rule. Here, we measure the structural evolution of solute molecules in highly supersaturated solutions of KH2PO4 (KDP) and NH4H2PO4 (ADP) using a combination of electrostatic levitation and synchrotron X-ray scattering. The measurement reveals the existence of a solution-solution transition in KDP solution, caused by changing molecular symmetries and structural evolution of the solution with supersaturation. Moreover, we find that the molecular symmetry of H2PO4- impacts on phase selection. These findings manifest that molecular symmetry and its structural evolution can govern the crystallization pathways in aqueous solutions, explaining the microscopic origin of Ostwald’s step rule.

Suggested Citation

  • Yong Chan Cho & Sooheyong Lee & Lei Wang & Yun-Hee Lee & Seongheun Kim & Hyun-Hwi Lee & John Jonghyun Lee & Geun Woo Lee, 2024. "Impact of molecular symmetry on crystallization pathways in highly supersaturated KH2PO4 solutions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-47503-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47503-1
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