The Growth of Single-Crystal Calcium Tartrate Tetrahydrate by Controlled Diffusion in Silica Gel

摘要

Single crystals of calcium tartrate tetrahydrate (CaC4H4O6.4H2O) were grown by controlled diffusion in silica gel. The crystals attain a size of up to 6 x 11 mm in about four to five weeks, and take on a form which, to all outward appearances, seems to have been cut and polished. Conditions for the optimum growth of the crystals are given and it is shown how the pH of the gel, the temperature of its formation, the concentration of the reactants which make up the gel, and the concentration of the reactants which result in the crystal are important in attaining good single crystal products. (Author)