High-pressure Nucleation of Low-Density Polymorphs*.

Abstract

New polymorphs β and γ of bis‐3‐nitrophenyl disulphide, crystallized above 0.3 GPa, are less dense than the ambient‐pressure polymorph α. This counterintuitive density relation results from the high‐entropy nucleation and subsequent kinetic crystallization. The work performed by pressure compensates the high entropy and temperature product, substantiated in varied conformers and increased chemical potential. Pressure‐increased viscosity promotes the kinetic polymorphs, in accordance with empirical Ostwald's rule of stages. It contrasts to mechanochemical techniques, favouring high‐density polymorphs.