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Get the absolute configuration thanks to electron diffraction!

Knowing the structure is not always enough.

For a chiral molecule, there is another crucial question: Which absolute configuration do I actually have? R or S?

Single-crystal X-ray diffraction can answer this question — but for organic molecules composed mainly of light atoms, determining absolute configuration can sometimes be challenging.
This is where Electron Diffraction offers a particularly interesting advantage.

The interaction of electrons with matter produces a stronger signal carrying absolute-structure information than is typically available from X-ray diffraction.

In practical terms: the difference between the two possible absolute configurations can be easier to detect.

And because Electron Diffraction works with crystals down to the sub-micron scale, there is no need to grow the large single crystals required for conventional single-crystal XRD.

✔️ Determine the molecular structure
✔️ Assign the stereogenic centres
✔️ Establish the absolute configuration
✔️ From extremely small crystals

For chiral molecules, Electron Diffraction doesn’t just tell you how the atoms are connected. It can tell you which enantiomer is actually in your vial.

Working on a chiral compound where absolute configuration matters?
Let’s see what Electron Diffraction can reveal.

ElectronDiffraction Chirality AbsoluteConfiguration StructuralElucidation SolidState Pharma