Lattice parameter measurement using Le Bail versus structural (Rietveld) refinement: A caution for complex, low symmetry systems

The measurement of lattice parameters using the Le Bail method was shown to be inappropriate for a complex, low symmetry, structure, even with high resolution synchrotron diffraction data. The method failed as a result of ambiguous indexing in the absence of constraints on diffraction intensities, that arise when a structural model is used, combined with the large number of reflections. A caution for the use of the Le Bail and other whole-powder pattern decomposition methods is presented, particularly for high reflection density data.