checkCIF validation ALERTS: what they mean and how to respond

Authors of a paper that includes a new crystal-structure determination are expected to not only report the structural results of interest and their interpretation, but are also expected to archive in computer-readable CIF format the experimental data on which the crystal-structure analysis is based. Additionally, an IUCr/ checkCIF validation report will be required for the review of a submitted paper. Such a validation report, automatically created from the deposited CIF file, lists as ALERTS not only potential errors or unusual findings, but also suggestions for improvement along with interesting information on the structure at hand. Major ALERTS for issues are expected to have been acted on already before…