Color-changing crystal flows below melting point.
Chemists from Osaka University have discovered a crystal that transforms into a liquid when exposed to ultraviolet light. The crystal undergoes a series of changes in its luminescence as it melts, indicating changes in its molecular structure. The material is a type of organic compound known as a heteroaromatic diketone, and the researchers have dubbed it 'SO'. The crystal's ability to change color and intensity during melting provides insights into the molecular changes that occur as these crystals shift from solids to liquids. The study could have potential uses in photonics, electronics, and drug delivery.