The trend towards more complex molecules, materials and systems will bring new crystallization challenges for particular products such as pharmaceuticals. The solution to these challenges lies in a fundamental understanding of solubility - the driving force and crystallization kinetics onto which we can build innovative, integrated and intensified continuous crystallization processes.

The solubility or phase diagram is essential information for efficient and reliable crystallization process design and operation. Different principles for solubility measurements exist and due to commercially available equipment there is now easy access to reliable solubility data. Solvent addition methods are convenient for complex multicomponent systems involving co-crystals or solvates.

The solubility of a compound in organic solvents or water is equally important for screen design and later for process development. For designing a screen, for instance around cooling crystallization, you need to select solvents that have sufficient solubility and that have a high dependency of solubility on temperature. In addition, a selection of solvents and mixtures that spans the range of possible chemical functionalities will maximize the chances of finding new, interesting and developable solid forms.