On the Publication of the Results of X-Ray Crystal Structure Analysis in Metal-Based Drugs

The importance of single crystal structure analysis employing X-ray diffraction methods is undisputed in chemistry/biochemistry. With the advent of area-detector diffractometers and increased automation, it may be anticipated that more structures will be determined and published than previously. The purpose of this Editorial is to set some general guidelines for the publication of crystallographic results in Metal-Based Drugs. The guidelines annunciated below are not meant to circumvent the idea that in a paper 'sufficient detail should be presented in order to allow others to repeat the experiment'. Rather, the guidelines are specified in recognition that many X-ray crystal structure determinations are 'routine' and thereby require no particular or special description of experimental procedures. Authors of papers containing the results of crystal structure determinations are encouraged to check carefully that their submissions match the guidelines below. Of course, deviations from these guidelines will be allowed as long as a justification for the deviation is given. Abstract: While it would be normal to mention that a crystal structure determination is reported, it is not necessary to include crystallographic data in the Abstract. Experimental: For many papers, the Experimental section will comprise a brief statement on how the crystals were obtained and include a suitably modified Table based on the following template: