Small molecule X-ray crystallography
Single crystal X-ray diffraction is a powerful technique that reveals the three-dimensional atomic structure of any chemical compound.
X-ray crystallography is the most universal method for the determination of three-dimensional structures of molecules at atomic resolution. When X-rays pass through a crystalline specimen, this results in diffraction. Intensities of the diffracted X-rays hold information on the structure of the crystal.
We operate a single crystal X-ray crystallography facility tailored for the determination of molecular structures of organic and inorganic compounds of modest molecular weight (typically less than 2000 Da).
Contact us
Contact Professor Paul Bernhardt for more information and bookings.
Applications
- Determination of the three-dimensional structures from single crystals.
- Micro-XRD (powders) can be examined in some cases.
The UQ Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis has purpose-built powder XRD instruments.
Equipment and location
Equipment
- Oxford Diffraction Gemini Ultra dual source (Mo and Cu) CCD diffractometer. This instrument may operate in either Mo or Cu mode. Most samples are analysed with the Mo X-ray source (0.71073 Å) while the Cu source (1.5418 Å) is especially suited for absolute structure determinations of light-atom chiral organic compounds. The Cu source is also particularly bright and may be useful for weakly diffracting samples.
- Oxford Cryosystems 600 series cryostream cooler (for low-temperature data collection).
Location
Chemistry Building (Building 68), Room 211
Sample requirements and submissions
Requirements
Crystals of at least 20um in all three dimensions, ideally larger than this but no greater than 0.5mm.
You'll need to cut down to size any crystals larger than 0.5mm.
Submissions
To submit your sample, download and complete our X-ray submission form (Word, 28kB).
Send your completed form, together with your sample vial, to:
Professor Paul Bernhardt
School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
The University of Queensland
Queensland 4072