What are polymorphs in solids described as?

Polymorphs in solids refer to different crystalline forms of the same compound that have the same chemical composition but different structural arrangements. The correct answer highlights the concept of solids with changing intermolecular interactions, which is fundamental to understanding polymorphism.

In polymorphs, variations in the arrangement of molecules lead to differences in intermolecular forces. These differences can significantly affect the physical and chemical properties of the compounds, such as solubility, melting point, and stability. For instance, one polymorph may exhibit stronger hydrogen bonding, which can influence how it interacts with other substances or how it behaves under various conditions.

Understanding polymorphs is crucial in pharmaceutical sciences as they can impact drug formulation, bioavailability, and efficacy. Therefore, recognizing that polymorphs are solids characterized by varying intermolecular interactions allows students and professionals to predict and manipulate the behavior of solid substances in various applications.