Presented at the DLSU Research Congress 2015 De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines March 2-4, 2015 X-Ray Crystallography: Connecting the Dots Julita Robles Chemistry Department, De La Salle University ABSTRACT: The unique characteristic exhibited by crystals is the highly regular 3D arrangement of the unit particles that extend over long distances in terms of molecular dimensions. X-ray crystallography is a powerful tool used for the structural determination of single crystals. Like other spectroscopic techniques, the crystal is exposed to radiation and the interaction of the crystal with the x-ray results in the formation of many evenly spaced spots or reflections. The image created from these reflections is called the diffraction pattern. The evaluation of the pattern will give rise to the crystal structure. Although x-ray crystallography was initially used for the analysis of inorganic crystals, it is now used for the structural determination of organic compounds and later on to large biomolecules. And the crucial step that led to the development of these new applications of x-ray crystallography is the crystallization process. “I was captured by chemistry and crystals”. Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin About the Speaker: Dr. Julita Climaco Robles is an Associate Professor of the Chemistry Department. She obtained her degree in BS Chemistry from De La Salle University (DLSU). Upon graduation, she joined the Chemistry Department of DLSU as a faculty member, engaging herself in teaching and in other research activities. Eventually, she earned her PhD in Chemistry from the same academic institution. At present she is the college representative to the DLSU Innovation and Technology Support Office and the Executive Board Member of the DLSU Faculty Association. BRID-I-004