Crystal Structure Determination

A concise introduction to modern crystal structure determination, emphasizing both the crystallographic background and the successive practical steps. In the theoretical sections, more importance is attached to a good understanding, than to a rigorous mathematical treatment. The most important measuring techniques, including the use of modern area detectors, and the methods of data reduction, structure solution and refinement are discussed from a practical point of view. Special emphasis is put on the ability to recognize and avoid possible errors and traps, and to judge the quality of results.

Crystallography may be described as the science of the structure of materi als, using this word in its widest sense, and its ramifications are apparent over a broad front of current scientific endeavor. It is not surprising, therefore, to find that most universities offer some aspects of crystallography in their undergraduate courses in the physical sciences. It is the principal aim of this book to present an introduction to structure determination by X-ray crystal lography that is appropriate mainly to both final-year undergraduate studies in crystallography, chemistry, and chemical physics, and introductory post graduate work in this area of crystallography. We believe that the book will be of interest in other disciplines, such as physics, metallurgy, biochemistry, and geology, where crystallography has an important part to play. In the space of one book, it is not possible either to cover all aspects of crystallography or to treat all the subject matter completely rigorously. In particular, certain mathematical results are assumed in order that their applications may be discussed. At the end of each chapter, a short bibliog raphy is given, which may be used to extend the scope of the treatment given here. In addition, reference is made in the text to specific sources of information. We have chosen not to discuss experimental methods extensively, as we consider that this aspect of crystallography is best learned through practical experience, but an attempt has been made to simulate the interpretive side of experimental crystallography in both examples and exercises.

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.

This concise text describes the basic principles of crystal structure determination by X-ray diffraction and the application of these principles in practice. The technique is presented step-by-step and illustrated with a wide range of case studies, including the use of the most up-to-date equipment. Crystal Structure Determination explains how X-ray crystallography fits in with modern chemistry, why it is important, and what it can do, with the aim of enabling the reader to understand and assess structural results in books and research journals. There is additional coverage of related topics such as neutron diffraction and the application of computer databases. Mathematical treatment is kept at a relatively low level and is complemented by extensive illustrations and worked examples. This clear introduction to the topic will be an essential text for chemistry undergraduates. Other related science undergraduates (biochemists, environmental scientists, etc.) and postgraduate chemists will also find this book useful.

The advances in and applications of x-ray and neutron crystallography form the essence of this new edition of this classic textbook, while maintaining the overall plan of the book that has been well received in the academic community since the first edition in 1977. X-ray crystallography is a universal tool for studying molecular structure, and the complementary nature of neutron diffraction crystallography permits the location of atomic species in crystals which are not easily revealed by X-ray techniques alone, such as hydrogen atoms or other light atoms in the presence of heavier atoms. Thus, a chapter discussing the practice of neutron diffraction techniques, with examples, broadens the scope of the text in a highly desirable way. As with previous editions, the book contains problems to illustrate the work of each chapter, and detailed solutions are provided. Mathematical procedures related to the material of the main body of the book are not discussed in detail, but are quoted where needed with references to standard mathematical texts. To address the computational aspect of crystallography, the suite of computer programs from the fourth edition has been revised and expanded. The programs enable the reader to participate fully in many of the aspects of x-ray crystallography discussed in the book. In particular, the program system XRAY* is interactive, and enables the reader to follow through, at the monitor screen, the computational techniques involved in single-crystal structure determination, albeit in two dimensions, with the data sets provided. Exercises for students can be found in the book, and solutions are available to instructors.

Our understanding of the properties of materials, from drugs and proteins to catalysts and ceramics, is almost always based on structural information. This book describes the new developments in the realm of powder diffraction which make it possible for scientists to obtain such information even from polycrystalline materials. Written and edited by experts active in the field, and covering both the fundamental and applied aspects of structure solution from powder diffraction data, this book guides both novices and experienced practitioners alike through the maze of possibilities.

The book is a detailed but concise exposition of crystal structure determination at a graduate level. Discussions range from geometrical principles of crystallography, through relevant experimental methods, to techniques of reliable and accurate determination of crystal structures.

Crystallography may be described as the science of the structure of materi als, using this word in its widest sense, and its ramifications are apparent over a broad front of current scientific endeavor. It is not surprising, therefore, to find that most universities offer some aspects of crystallography in their undergraduate courses in the physical sciences. It is the principal aim of this book to present an introduction to structure determination by X-ray crystal lography that is appropriate mainly to both final-year undergraduate studies in crystallography, chemistry, and chemical physics, and introductory post graduate work in this area of crystallography. We believe that the book will be of interest in other disciplines, such as physics, metallurgy, biochemistry, and geology, where crystallography has an important part to play. In the space of one book, it is not possible either to cover all aspects of crystallography or to treat all the subject matter completely rigorously. In particular, certain mathematical results are assumed in order that their applications may be discussed. At the end of each chapter, a short bibliog raphy is given, which may be used to extend the scope of the treatment given here. In addition, reference is made in the text to specific sources of information. We have chosen not to discuss experimental methods extensively, as we consider that this aspect of crystallography is best learned through practical experience, but an attempt has been made to simulate the interpretive side of experimental crystallography in both examples and exercises.