Cutting-Edge X-Ray Diffractometer Brings New Precision to Molecular Research

A powerful new instrument is now operational in the Chemistry X-Lab Facility in the Department of Chemistry. The Rigaku Synergy-S Single Crystal Diffractometer is a state-of-the-art instrument that brings unprecedented speed and precision to molecular characterization. The installation was spearheaded by Dr. Lara Watanabe, the X-Lab Facility Manager.

Designed for both low- and room-temperature data collections, this instrument can analyze single crystals and powdered samples using X-ray diffraction. This technique reveals the atomic-level structure of materials — a crucial step in developing and understanding new compounds.

“If we can grow a single crystal of a new material, this diffractometer allows us to visualize how atoms are connected, essentially giving us a 3D image of the molecule,” said Watanabe. “It’s incredibly powerful for characterizing new molecules.”

One of the most impactful applications of this technology is in the pharmaceutical industry, where understanding the absolute configuration of chiral molecules — those with mirror-image forms — can determine how a drug interacts with the human body. The new instrument provides a clear path to identifying these configurations with confidence.

The Synergy-S complements the lab’s existing powder X-ray diffraction instruments. While powder diffraction analyzes bulk materials, single crystal analysis provides precise atomic structure. Researchers can now grow a crystal, determine its structure, simulate a corresponding powder pattern, and confirm consistency across the entire material.

And it’s fast. Remarkably fast.

“I ran our first structure — and it took just 12 minutes,” Watanabe said. “Not long ago, this kind of analysis could take hours, even days. This is a huge leap forward in our capabilities.”

With the installation complete and data already flowing in, the new Rigaku Synergy-S is set to become a cornerstone of molecular research in the X-Lab, accelerating discoveries and deepening our understanding of the materials that shape the world around us.