Guide for Submitting Small Molecule Crystals to the Service Center
Please us the following as a guide for preparing and submitting your samples.
Sample Preparations:
- CHARACTERIZATION: Characterize your sample as completely as possible before submission. I assure you that you will be very embarrassed if your new 'prize' crystals turn out to be NaCl , starting material, or some other well known substance.
- SAMPLE CONTAINERS: Small vials, diffusion tubes and NMR tubes are acceptable; large Erlenmeyers, beakers, and round bottoms are NOT. NMR and diffusion tubes will be destroyed to access the crystals. No more than 5 mL solvent is allowed. The sample container must be well sealed in a non-breakable secondary container suitable for transport to/from the ILSB.
- LABELING: Sample must be labeled using a sticker or hang-tag (not Sharpie marker directly on glass). Label must include your name, your advisor's name, and the exact sample ID used in the online submission form.
Sample Submission
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COVID-19 PROCEDURE: Email Carla Slebodnick to schedule a time and place for sample transfer. Samples must be prepared according to the criteria above.
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Bring or send your crystals to Carla Slebodnick for visual screening via one of the options below.
OPTION 1: Come to crystal screening office hours (Mondays 9:30-11 AM) in Hahn Hall North 306E. No appointment is necessary.
OPTION 2: Bring your crystals to the ILSB to be screened. Call ahead to make sure Carla is available (office: 231-1848; lab: 231-3136, cell: 540-577-9633).
OPTION 3: If you are local to Blacksburg, you can mail your samples to:
Dr. Carla Slebodnick
Department of Chemistry
ILSB, Mail Code 0913
Virginia Tech
1981 Kraft Drive, Room 2028
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0913 - If you don't yet have an account with the service center, setup an online account here.
- Login to your account and complete the online submission form.
For questions contact Dr. Carla Slebodnick by email or at 231-1848.