Hints for shipping crystals to the X-ray Facility

 

Use a one or two dram vial for crystal growth or place a few crystals in a one or two dram vial with a small amount of mother liquor, then securely close the cap.  Wrap the vial and cap with electric tape several times, folding the end to create a tab for easy removal. Use a label-maker to create a label for the vial and attach it near the top of the vial, leaving room near the bottom of the vial for easy viewing of crystals under a microscope.

 

Insert the vial into a plastic 50ml crushproof sample vial (a pill vial will also suffice) and place tissues between the smaller vial and the larger vial. Finally, insert the larger vial into a leak resistant Ziplock © bag. Label the bag with your name, the sample ID, and any other relevant information. Place the bag inside a crush resistant shipping box, surrounded by packing material. [use a 6"L x 6"W x 6"H (15x15x15cm)   "Mug Size Box,"] while larger cubic boxes are suitable for multiple samples.

If your samples are susceptible to air, it is recommended to load them into an argon dry box. Ensure that both the small and large vials are properly sealed and placed inside Ziplock © bags within the dry box. Follow the previous shipping instructions.

For light-sensitive samples, wrap the large vial with aluminum foil and place it inside a Ziplock © bag. Follow the previous shipping instructions.

To transport small vials or preloaded crystal mounts, consider securing them inside a sturdy plastic or metal container to prevent damage. An ALTOID © box is highly suitable for this purpose. Cut a piece of Styrofoam to fit the box and create small rectangular hole(s) to accommodate vial(s) Place the box inside a Ziplock © bag to prevent leakage and proceed with the shipment.

Shipping Crystals in NMR tubes.

 

NMR tubes are popular for growing crystals for a variety of reasons. (my opinion is that a researcher runs their NMR experiment, puts their NMR tube with sample on the shelf and then forgets about it for a few months until they need to go back and clean up).  Shipping an NMR tube can be tricky due to their length and fragility.  Here is a suggestion.

Purchase an adjustable-length Shipping Tube (Clear Square x 8" to 14", McMaster-Carr reference: 2108T118).  Seal the NMR tube with tape and place it in one end of the inside shipping tube.  Pack the tube with tissues and then insert the inside tube in the outside tube.  Seal the outside tube with tape. Label the shipping tube and place in it inside a Ziplock© bag. Place in a shipping box with the crystal information sheet and an MSDS (if available).  Pack a box and ship.

 

Joseph H. Reibenspies, Ph.D (Manager)