Magnetically oriented microcrystal arrays and suspensions: Application to diffraction methods and Solid-State NMR spectroscopy

Abstract

Crystal structure determination is a first and important step in understanding the physical, chemical, and biological functions of crystals in their final use. Single-crystal diffractometry and spectroscopy are the most commonly used and reliable methods for this purpose. However, there are many circumstances where only a microcrystalline powder is formed, which hinders the use of thesemethods. In this chapter, we describe a novel technique that enables to convert a microcrystalline powder to a large "single" crystal by means of magnetic alignment. The obtained "single" crystal gives rise to diffractions and spectra equivalent to those obtained from a corresponding real single crystal. Basic concepts of the magnetic alignment are described, followed by crystal structure determinations of some organic crystals.