Single Crystal X-ray Diffraction
This technique delivers unequivocal material identification. It’s the gold standard for chemical characterisation.
Single Crystal X-ray Diffraction is the gold standard of chemical characterisation and delivers unequivocal identification of materials. The technique provides detailed measurement of molecular geometry and conformation as well as the supramolecular environment of the species in the solid state.
At Newcastle University our X-ray crystallography service has over 60 years combined expertise in data collection and structure solution coupled with the speed and flexibility offered by modern diffractometers.
We provide a structure determination service to academic and commercial customers and enterprises.
A key aim is to provide you with a high quality, reliable service.
Your results can be provided in a range of formats, from a short report to a detailed analysis of the molecular and intermolecular structural features.
Our flexible pricing structure runs on a per-structure basis. We're happy to negotiate on pricing for larger numbers of structural determinations.
We also offer additional services such as recrystallisation, co-crystallisation, polymorph screening, following both standardised and tailored protocols.
We use an Agilent dual-source single-crystal diffractometer with a CCD detector. It's ideally suited to modern, high throughput crystallography.
Results are often available within just two days of sending us your sample.
Our crystallography suite is in an enclosed unit, with access only to authorised personnel. The transfer of your results is secure by using Newcastle University’s ‘drop-off’ facility.
Any raw data is archived to Newcastle University’s data storage facility, guaranteeing safe-keeping for the duration of a contractual period.
Using both molybdenum and copper radiation allows us analysis of a wider range of crystal qualities. In addition to providing access to absolute configuration determination for chiral molecules.
Potential phase changes can be easily investigated with an Oxford Cryosystems Cryostream. It allows data collection in the temperature range 80 - 450 K.
We can also handle air-sensitive samples and those subject to solvent loss. With our rapid transfer of samples from cold storage (fridge/freezer) or Schlenk line to microscope stage and diffractometer.
An internationally recognised authority oversees our commercial operations. We have expertise in a range of sample categories, including:
- organic, organometallic, inorganic complexes
- inorganic or intermetallic compounds and MOFs
Our trained researchers have more than 10 years' experience of small molecule crystallography and a background in handling sensitive crystals.
We also have a long-standing link with Diamond Light Source, the national synchrotron facility in Oxfordshire.
All results are provided electronically and are tailored to meet your individual needs. You can choose between:
- a one-page summary with the essential data and a picture of the structure
- a full description of main experimental procedures (including tables of numerical results, colour graphics of molecular structure and accounts of major structural interest)
- further analysis of results and consultancy
- advice or assistance with writing publications
We also offer:
- access to X-ray powder diffraction experiments, thermal analysis and crystal structure determination from crystalline powders
- recrystallisation service to improve crystal quality
- polymorph, co-crystal and solvate screening, tailored to suit the customers' needs
- report and publication writing
- ultra low temperature studies, 2 K - 290 K
- high pressure studies, ambient to 20 GPa
In the rare case that crystals are not of sufficient quality for a data collection at Newcastle, we can help. We have an excellent working relationship with the national synchrotron facilities.
We'll provide professional assistance and guidance to apply for beam time at Station I19 at the National Synchrotron Facility Diamond Light Source (DLS).
Air-sensitive and otherwise unstable or short-lived molecular entities are a day-to-day reality in many fields of synthetic chemistry.
Pyrophoric materials can combine this inherent instability with an element of risk. The challenges that must be overcome to analyse these materials ensure that any result is remarkable and may provide insights into the unstable nature of the material.
Read in more detail on how we deal with pyrophoric materials and how we overcome this challenge: Single-Crystal X-ray Crystallography Measurements of Pyrophoric Materials
Single-crystal X-ray crystallography provides a three-dimensional model of the molecular entity comprising the crystal, from which geometric parameters (interatomic distances, bond angles, etc) can be measured. Provided these measurements are precise enough they can be used to inform other properties of the material.
Calculating the Harmonic Oscillator Stabilisation Energy (HOSE) can provide a quantitative measure of the contribution of individual resonance structures to the overall bond length pattern of an aromatic ring. This may be useful for estimating the extent and likely pathways of charge transfer across the molecule.
Read more about how we utilise Harmonic Oscillator Stabilisation Energies (HOSE) calculations: Calculating HOSE from Bond Distance Measurements
Contact us
To request a quote, or ask us a question, you can complete our analytical services general enquiry form below.
If you’re a Newcastle University staff member or student, you can visit the internal Research and Analytical Services' intranet page.