Crystal Structure Determination

To solve a crystal structure means to determine the precise spatial arrangements of all of the atoms in a chemical compound in the crystalline state. This knowledge gives a chemist access to a large range of information, including connectivity, conformation, and accurate bond lengths and angles. In addition, it implies the stoichiometry, the density, the symmetry and the three dimensional packing of the atoms in the solid. Since interatomic distances are in the region of100-300 pm or 1-3 A, 1 microscopy using visible light (wavelength Ä ca. 300-700 nm) is not applicable (Fig. l. l). In 1912, Max von Laue showed that crystals are based on a three dimensionallattice which scatters radiation with a wavelength in the vicinity of interatomic distances, i. e. X -rays with Ä = 50-300 pm. The process bywhich this radiation, without changing its wave­ length, is converted through interference by the lattice to a vast number of observable "reflections" with characteristic directions in space is called X-ray diffraction. The method by which the directions and the intensities of these reflections are measured, and the ordering of the atoms in the crystal deduced from them, is called X-ray struc­ ture analysis. The following chapter deals with the lattice properties of crystals, the starting point for the explanation of these interference phenomena. Interatomic distances Crystals . . . . . . . . . .

This textbook gives a concise introduction to modern crystal structure determination, emphasising both its theoretical background and the way it is actually carried out. The theoretical sections are supported by many illustrations, and lay emphasis on a good understanding rather than rigorous mathematics. The most important data collection techniques, and the methods of data reduction, structure solution and refinement are discussed from a practical point of view. Many tips and insights help readers to recognise and avoid possible errors and traps, and to judge the quality of results. The second edition has been considerably updated, especially the chapter on experimental methods, which is now mainly concerned with modern data collection using area-detectors.