Bruker SMART X2S Benchtop System: A Means To Making X-ray Crystallography More Mainstream in the Undergraduate Laboratory

Abstract

Bruker SMART X2S is a portable benchtop diffractometer that requires only a 110 V outlet to operate. The instrument operation is intuitive and facile with an automation layer governing the workflow from behind the scenes. The user participation is minimal. At the end of an experiment, the instrument attempts to solve the structure automatically; however, the user can process the data manually if desired. On the basis of our examination of 19 samples, the Bruker SMART X2S yields publishable quality data and is ideally suited for undergraduate laboratories because of the ease of use and low maintenance.

X-ray Crystallography Analysis of Complexes Synthesized with Tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine: A Laboratory Experiment for Undergraduate Students Integrating Interdisciplinary Concepts and Techniques

“…Despite its complicated underlying theory and instrument acquisition costs, institutions have successfully incorporated X-ray crystallography in their undergraduate curriculum using approaches such as Internet-facilitated remote diffractometer control, and utilizing case study education methods . Over 40 papers focused on X-ray crystallography have been published in this Journal with several emphasizing the importance of developing new experiment modules for undergraduate students to expose them to this technique. − …”

Conducting Reflective, Hands-On Research with Advanced Characterization Instruments: A High-Level Undergraduate Practical Exploring Solid-State Polymorphism

“…The established model for practical training at the University of Southampton places first and second year undergraduates into teaching laboratories, following prescribed methods in large group sizes and gaining foundational experience in common analytical techniques, e.g., infrared (IR) and precollected nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. However, access to advanced characterization techniques, specifically hands-on X-ray crystallography, − at the undergraduate level is restricted, mainly due large to group sizes and scarce resources. These techniques would only be (partly) experienced in the latter stages of a degree if an embedded research project were undertaken.…”

Connecting Key Concepts with Student Experience: Introducing Small-Molecule Crystallography to Chemistry Undergraduates Using a Flexible Laboratory Module

“…Atom connectivity, relative and absolute stereochemistry, and packing information can be determined in a single experiment more definitively than through other common techniques such as NMR, IR, or GC-MS. Thanks to the widespread availability of modern technology and software, currently even chemistry students and postdoctoral researchers who are not trained in the details of diffraction physics are able to routinely perform small-molecule single-crystal X-ray structure analysis. − Despite its complicated underlying theory and instrument acquisition costs, X-ray crystallography can be incorporated into an undergraduate curriculum via varied approaches, − including national laboratory visits and Internet-facilitated remote data collection. , As an alternative to dedicated X-ray crystallography courses designed for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students, ,, this paper describes a 3 h crystallography laboratory module for implementation in undergraduate experimental chemistry courses, including inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, as well as for outreach programs such as interinstitutional visits . The module provides an opportunity for course instructors who are not familiar with crystallography, or for colleges that lack access to single-crystal X-ray diffractometers, to integrate X-ray crystallography into their undergraduate curriculum with a half-day trip.…”