The term “first-principles calculations” is a synonym for the numerical determination of the electronic structure of atoms, molecules, clusters, or materials from ‘first principles’, i.e., without any approximations to the underlying quantum-mechanical equations. Although numerous approximate approaches have been developed for small molecular systems since the late 1920s, it was not until the advent of the density functional theory (DFT) in the 1960s that accurate “first-principles” calculations could be conducted for crystalline materials. The rapid development of this method over the past two decades allowed it to evolve from an explanatory to a truly predictive tool. Yet, challenges remain: complex chemical compositions, variable external conditions (such as pressure), defects, or properties that rely on collective excitations—all represent computational and/or methodological bottlenecks. This Special Issue comprises a collection of papers that use DFT to tackle some of these challenges and thus highlight what can (and cannot yet) be achieved using first-principles calculations of crystals.

From crystal structure prediction to totally empirical screening, the quest for new crystal forms has become one of the most challenging issues in the solid state science and particularly in the pharmaceutical world. In this context, multi-component crystalline materials like co-crystals have received renewed interest as they offer the prospect of optimized physical properties. As illustrated in this first book_ entirely dedicated to this emerging class of pharmaceutical compounds_ the outcome of such endeavours into crystal engineering have demonstrated clear impacts on production, marketing and intellectual property protection of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Indeed, co-crystallization influences relevant physico-chemical parameters (such as solubility, dissolution rate, chemical stability, melting point, hygroscopicity, à) and often offers solids with properties superior to those of the free drug. Combining both reports of the latest research and comprehensive overviews of basic principles, with contributions from selected experts in both academia and industry, this unique book is an essential reference, ideal for pharmaceutical development scientists and graduate students in pharmaceutical science.

Using a computer-aided data mining approach and available experimental data bases, the author discusses the prediction of the structures and properties of intermetallic alloy compounds. The book references 252 original resources with their direct web links for in-depth reading. Keywords: Data-Mining, Intermetallic Compounds, Structure-Mapping, Clustering Methods, Free Energy, Energy Landscapes of Compounds, Stable Groupings of Atoms, Intermetallic Phases, Crystal Unit Cell Size, Platonic Solids, Symmetries, Stoichiometries, Stability Fields.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in modern chemical research. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field. Review articles for the individual volumes are invited by the volume editors. Readership: research chemists at universities or in industry, graduate students.

Gathering leading specialists in the field of structure prediction, this book provides a unique view of this complex and rapidly developing field, reflecting the numerous viewpoints of the different authors. A summary of the major achievements over the last few years and of the challenges still remaining makes this monograph very timely.

This unique book is devoted to the theme of crystallographic studies at high pressure. It places emphasis on the phenomena characteristic to the compressed state of matter, as well as experimental and theoretical techniques, used to study these phenomena.