Single-Crystal X-ray Diffraction Analysis of Microcrystalline Powders Using Magnetically Oriented Microcrystal Suspensions

Abstract

A technique for collecting single-crystal X-ray diffraction data using a suspension of microcrystalline powder is reported. The technique developed is based on the three-dimensional alignment of microcrystals by the intermittent rotation of the suspension under static magnetic field, in combination with in situ X-ray measurements. The magnetic attachment required to perform these in situ measurements is significantly simplified because the shutter system equipped with the magnetic system in the previous reported attachment is not necessary in the current technique owing to the application of intermittent rotation. Using this technique, the measurement time is significantly decreased in comparison to that required in our previous procedure. The successful performance of this technique is demonstrated by the structural determination of l-alanine from its microcrystalline powder.