Predicting the crystal structure of a newly synthesized inorganic compound can be a challenging task, but it can be approached using the principles of inorganic chemistry and some well-established guidelines. Here are some steps to follow:1. Determine the chemical formula: The first step is to determine the chemical formula of the compound, which will give you information about the elements present and their stoichiometry.2. Identify the coordination environment: Based on the elements present, identify the possible coordination environments for the cations and anions. This can be done using the principles of crystal field theory, ionic radii, and electronegativity.3. Consider the ionic radii and electronegativity: The ionic radii and electronegativity of the elements can help predict the type of bonding ionic, covalent, or mixed and the preferred coordination numbers.4. Apply Pauling's rules: Pauling's rules are a set of guidelines that can help predict the crystal structure of an inorganic compound. These rules include the coordination number rule, the electrostatic valence rule, the sharing of polyhedral elements, and the principle of parsimony.5. Predict the crystal system: Based on the coordination environment and the preferred coordination numbers, predict the crystal system cubic, tetragonal, orthorhombic, etc. and the space group.6. Construct a plausible unit cell: Using the information gathered so far, construct a plausible unit cell for the compound. This will give you an idea of the arrangement of atoms in the crystal lattice.Once you have a predicted crystal structure, you can use various experimental techniques to confirm the structure. Some common techniques include:1. X-ray diffraction XRD : XRD is the most widely used technique for determining crystal structures. By analyzing the diffraction pattern of X-rays passing through the crystal, you can obtain information about the unit cell dimensions, space group, and atomic positions.2. Neutron diffraction: Similar to XRD, neutron diffraction uses neutrons instead of X-rays to probe the crystal structure. This technique is particularly useful for compounds containing elements with similar atomic numbers or for studying magnetic structures.3. Electron diffraction: Electron diffraction is another technique that can be used to study crystal structures, especially for nanocrystalline or amorphous materials.4. Scanning electron microscopy SEM and transmission electron microscopy TEM : These techniques can provide high-resolution images of the crystal structure and can be used to study defects, grain boundaries, and other structural features.5. Raman and infrared spectroscopy: These spectroscopic techniques can provide information about the vibrational modes of the compound, which can be used to confirm the predicted coordination environment and bonding.6. Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectroscopy: NMR can provide information about the local environment of specific nuclei in the compound, which can help confirm the predicted structure.By combining the principles of inorganic chemistry with these experimental techniques, you can predict and confirm the crystal structure of a newly synthesized inorganic compound.