Rigaku Single Crystal XRD
At the Experimental Techniques Centre, we have a number of techniques and instruments to cater for a wide variety of materials, samples and products.
Single crystal X-ray diffraction is a powerful analytical technique used to determine the atomic and molecular structure of a crystalline material. It is considered the gold standard for clarifying crystal structures.
How it works:
- Single crystal selection: A small, well-formed crystal (ideally ~0.1–0.5 mm in size) is isolated.
- X-ray exposure: The crystal is mounted and rotated while being bombarded with X-rays.
- Diffraction pattern collection: As X-rays interact with the electrons in the crystal, they are diffracted in specific directions. A detector records these diffraction spots.
- Data processing: Using the positions and intensities of the diffraction spots, a 3D electron density map is calculated.
- Structure solution: The positions of atoms in the unit cell are inferred from the electron density map.
What it reveals:
- Atomic positions (precise bond lengths and angles)
- Unit cell dimensions
- Symmetry and space group
- Molecular conformation
- Intermolecular interactions (e.g., hydrogen bonding, packing)
Applications:
- Chemistry: Determining the structures of organic, inorganic, and organometallic compounds.
- Pharmaceuticals: Confirming the structures of drug candidates.
- Materials science: Studying new materials like metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).
- Mineralogy: Identifying mineral structures.
For more information or to discuss your XRD requirements, please contact our Scientific Officer Team at etc@brunel.ac.uk