Organic solvents are widely used in synthesizing high-value crystals for various applications. However, the impact of replacing dominant hydrogen bonds and polar attractions in aqueous environments with weaker van der Waals forces on crystal growth mechanisms remains unclear. This study reveals a unique dual growth mode in etioporphyrin I crystals, enabled by mesoscopic liquid precursors. These precursors associate with crystal surfaces, forming layered stacks that grow laterally through direct solute incorporation from the solution, bypassing surface diffusion. The findings suggest this direct incorporation pathway and the nonclassical growth mode facilitated by liquid precursors are characteristic of organic solvents.

Manasa Yerragunta, Akash Tiwari, Rajshree Chakrabarti, Jeffrey D. Rimer, Bart Kahr, Peter G. Vekilov