Polymorphism of N-stearoylethanolamine: Differential scanning calorimetric, vibrational spectroscopic (FTIR), and crystallographic studies

J. Wouters, S. Vandevoorde, C. Culot, F. Docquir, D. M. Lambert

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Based on a series of physicochemical properties (differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray crystallographic studies and Fourier-transform infra red spectroscopic analysis) determined for N-stearoylethanolamine (NSEA) (C18:0) at different temperatures, evidence has been given that this compound can exist in (at least) three polymorphic forms. Powder X-ray crystallography clearly demonstrates the presence of three distinct molecular packings at distinct temperatures while spectral changes in the vibrational spectra reveal that the geometry of the CH2-CO functional group of the molecule is affected during the polymorphic transitions. Rationalization of the thermal physicochemical behavior of NSEA in terms of molecular packing is also proposed. It supposes rearrangement of the hydrocarbon chains upon heating of the molecule.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)13-21
Number of pages9
JournalChemistry and Physics of Lipids
Volume119
Issue number1-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2002

Keywords

  • Differential scanning calorimetry
  • N-acylethanolamines
  • Polymorphism
  • Powder diffraction
  • Vibrational spectroscopy

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