X-ray: Mounting the Crystal

Due to the air-sensitivity of most organometallic compounds, crystals must be transported in a highly viscous organic compound called paratone oil (see picture below). Crystals are abstracted from their respective Schlenks by dabbing the end of a spatula with the paratone oil and then sticking the crystal onto the oil. Although there might be some exposure of the compounds to air and water, crystals can withstand more exposure than solution (of the preserved protein) before degrading. On top of serving to protect the crystal, the paratone oil also serves as the glue to bind the crystal to the needle.

Figure 1: