Phosphonate additives do not always inhibit crystallization

This paper investigates crystal growth modifiers based on 1,3,5-substituted benzene derivatives. The results show that as expected, the phosphonated derivative inhibits calcite precipitation to a much greater degree than the analogous sulfonate. However, on barium sulfate, both molecules show some crystallization promotion behaviour, with the phosphonate being the more potent promoter overall. Thus, the functional group alone does not determine the impact the organic molecule will have on crystallization. This opens the way for additives that have dual purposes (inhibiting the crystallization of one phase while not impacting or promoting the crystallization of other phases).