The renowned oxford chemistry primers series, which provides focused introductions to a range of important topics in chemistry, has been refreshed and updated to suit the needs of today's students, lecturers, and postgraduate researchers. the rigorous, yet accessible, treatment of each subject area is ideal for those wanting a primer in a given topic to prepare them for more advanced study or research. moreover, cutting-edge examples and applications throughout the texts show the relevance of the chemistry being described to current research and industry. learning features provided in the primers, including questions at the end of every chapter and interactive online mcqs, encourage active learning and promote understanding. furthermore, frequent diagrams, margin notes, further reading, and glossary definitions all help to enhance a student's understanding of these essential areas of chemistry.this primer provides a succinct account of the technique of x-ray crystallography for determining structure in the solid state. engaging examples of practical applications are described throughout, emphasising the importance of this field to modern research and industry. furthermore, end of chapter exercises and online multiple choice questions enable students to test their own understanding of the subject.online resource centre:the online resource centre to accompany x-ray crystallography features: for registered adopters of the text:* figures from the book available to download for students: * downloadable cif data files* multiple-choice questions for self-directed learning * full worked solutions to the end-of-chapter exercises