Crystallization of zinc(II) dodecyl benzene sulphonate has been suppressed by either the removal of water of hydration or the rapid cooling of the compound from the liquid crystalline state. The anisotropic structure is preserved in the solid state when the hydrated compound in the LC phase is rapidly quenched, while removal of the water of hydration at temperatures in or above the LC phase and the subsequent slow cooling produces a stable isotropic structure.