Heterogeneous
equilibria, crystallization, and polymorphism of chiral para-methoxyphenyl glycerol ether 1 have been inspected,
and, as a result, the binary phase diagram and the Gibbs free energy
vs temperature plot were constructed and analyzed. This enantiomeric
system forms a stable racemic compound, which turns into an almost
ideal continuous solution of the enantiomers in the crystalline phase
at elevated temperatures. At room temperature the system represents
a stoichiometric racemic compound and two symmetrical eutectoid invariants
with partial solid solutions based on the enantiomers. Crystal structures
of the true racemate, the pseudoracemate, and the pure enantiomer
were investigated by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The true racemate
crystallizes in the Pc space group with Z′ = 2. The pseudoracemate was solved in the Pbcn group with the only independent molecule equally disordered into
two mirror-related positions. The enantiomeric crystals belong to
the P21212 group and are characterized
by six symmetry independent molecules (Z′
= 6), two of which undergo disordering. We also discussed possible
connection between the phase behavior features and the details of
the crystal structure, in particular, bilayer supramolecular organization,
pseudosymmetry, high Z′, and disordered packing.
General considerations about the crystalline nature of solid solutions
of enantiomers were also made.