Insight into polymorphism of the ethosuximide (ETX)

Abstract

Rich polymorphism of ethosuximide compound (ETX) is described in detail using complementary thermal analysis methods. The paper shows as well the results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), of polarizing microscope observations (POM) and of X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements taken using horizontal rotating capillary method. Molecular structure of ethosuximide favors appearance of a conformationally disordered (CONDIS) crystal phase CrI in its polymorphism. Ethosuximide is a good glass former, and glass of the CrI phase was observed even for 5 °C min−1 rate of cooling. Moreover, monotropic plastic crystal CrII phase was observed during heating above the CrI temperature range.