The first results regarding the crystallization kinetics of the pure semisy
nthetic beta -lactam antibiotic (SSA) ampicillin in water are presented, Th
e experimentally obtained results at pH = 5 and T = 298 K are described wel
l by the population-based crystallization model presented in this paper. Th
e nucleation rate J (# m(-3) s(-1)) is related to the supersaturation ratio
of ampicillin S by J = 2 x 10(7) exp[-3.383/(ln(S))(2)]. The surface energ
y gamma of creating a nucleus of ampicillin molecules therefore equals 5.83
mJ m(-2). The growth rate G (in s-1) is determined with a newly developed
adapted single-crystal growth rate analysis method and is related to the su
persaturation ratio of ampicillin S by G = 4.57 x 10(-8)(S - 1)(1.72).