May 072009
Tet. Asym. (2009), 20, 712-717. Â Â [ doi:10.1016/j.tetasy.2009.02.025 ]
Advances in hardware and software have made X-ray crystallography even more attractive as the first-option method for structure analysis. For most organic materials containing up to 100 non-hydrogen atoms, getting from the initial visual examination of the sample to producing publication-ready tables and pictures should usually be achievable in a single morning. Improvements in hardware have also increased reliability of the determination of absolute configuration. A recently published new algorithm may extend the range of applicability of the method.