Question

Difference between isomorphism and polymorphism in chemistry

Answer 1

Polymorphism and isomorphism in molecular crystals are due to subtle energy differences and similarities in crystal structures. A compound may crystallize in more than one crystal structure, with different conformations, a phenomenon known as conformation polymorphism. In other cases chemically similar compounds may crystallize with nearly identical (isomorphic) structures. The investigation of polymorphism and isomorphism by structural and computational techniques leads to an understanding of the phenomena themselves and to the development of the techniques for studying them. Examples, citing recent results on benzylideneaniline systems, are given.