Exploration of the pyrazinamide polymorphism at high pressure

J Phys Chem B. 2012 Dec 13;116(49):14441-50. doi: 10.1021/jp3039219. Epub 2012 Dec 3.

Abstract

We report the high-pressure response of three forms (α, δ, and γ) of pyrazinamide (C(5)H(5)N(3)O, PZA) by in situ Raman spectroscopy and synchrotron X-ray diffraction techniques with a pressure of about 14 GPa. These different forms are characterized by various intermolecular bonding schemes. High-pressure experimental results show that the γ phase undergoes phase transition to the β phase at a pressure of about 4 GPa, whereas the other two forms retain their original structures at a high pressure. We propose that the stabilities of the α and δ forms upon compression are due to the special dimer connection that these forms possess. On the other hand, the γ form, which does not have this connection, prefers to transform to the closely related β form when pressure is applied. The detailed mechanism of the phase transition together with the stability of the three polymorphs is discussed by taking molecular stacking into account.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Models, Molecular
  • Pressure
  • Pyrazinamide / chemical synthesis*
  • Pyrazinamide / chemistry
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman
  • Synchrotrons
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Pyrazinamide