Introduction to XRD
X-ray diffraction (XRD analysis or XRPD analysis) is a unique method in determination of crystallinity of a compound. XRD is primarily used for
- ID of crystalline material (used for regulatory purposes or during development.)
- ID of different polymorphic forms (“fingerprints” ).
- Distinguishing between amorphous and crystalline material
- Quantification of the percent crystallinity of a sample
- For non-ambient XRD analysis, please see here
- For CT-scanning, please see here
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Knowledge about crystallinity is highly relevant, as a crystalline form is usually preferred in development: In contrast to amorphous material, a crystal has well-defined properties (melting point, solubility and IDR) – parameters that should be known in order to control your final product. The XRD method is described in Ph. Eur 2.9.33. The result from an XRD analysis is a diffractogram showing the intensity as a function of the diffraction angles. Positive ID of a material using XRD analysis is based on accordance between the diffraction angles of a reference material and the sample in question.
Instrument and measuring principle
XRD analysis is based on constructive interference of monochromatic X-rays and a crystalline sample: The X-rays are generated by a cathode ray tube, filtered to produce monochromatic radiation, collimated to concentrate, and directed toward the sample. The interaction of the incident rays with the sample produces constructive interference (and a diffracted ray) when conditions satisfy Bragg’s Law (nλ=2d sin θ). This law relates the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation to the diffraction angle and the lattice spacing in a crystalline sample.
The characteristic x-ray diffraction pattern generated in a typical XRD analysis provides a unique “fingerprint” of the crystals present in the sample. When properly interpreted, by comparison with standard reference patterns and measurements, this fingerprint allows identification of the crystalline form.
| Technical info | |
| Instrument | PANalytical X’Pert³ Powder |
| Operating range | 2-60 °2Theta (if required up to 150 °2Theta) |
| Temperature | RT (temperature chamber available) |
| Humidity | Ambient (humidity chamber available) |
| Sample amount | App. 10 mg-200 mg |
A diffractogram from an XRD analysis
