Techniques for analyzing the early stages of crystallization reactions

This paper will –– in a semi-review-like form –– describe the problems in analyzing nucleation reactions, and approaches towards a solution of these problems. Attempts to pinpoint the nucleation event can start from the solution state, and the development of precursors for the solid state can be traced with mass spectrometry. Alternatively, one can try to obtain information on ever earlier stages of the solids formation itself, thus approaching the nucleation event from the side of the solid already formed. A highly suitable tool for this purpose is a tubular reactor, where crystallization reactions can be carried out continuously.