Section 5.2.6.2. Volumenometry

This technique measures the increase in gas pressure due to changes in the volume of a calibrated container into which the crystal, having previously been weighed, is introduced (Reilly & Rae, 1954). Almost any gas can be used for this technique if it is compatible with the apparatus and does not interact with the crystal. The empty, calibrated chamber is pressurized by adding a measured gas bolus, and this pressure is measured. After it is weighed, the crystal sample is placed in the container, which is repressurized by adding the same volume of gas. The difference in pressures between the two measurements is due to the change in volume of the container due to the crystal's presence. In principle, this method is compatible with powdered crystal samples, multiple crystals, or irregularly shaped crystals. As with micropycnometry, this technique is not appropriate for macromolecular crystals. The crystal must be free of external solvent, yet not dried, and the microbalance must be able to measure the crystal's weight precisely and accurately. The useful lower limit of crystal size for this technique, reported by Richards & Lindley in Chapter 3.2 of IT C (2004), is 0.01 ml.