RUI: Upgrade of a P4 Diffractometer to CCD Capability

Texas State University - San Marcos, San Marcos TX

Investigators

Abstract

With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Southwest Texas State University will add CCD capability to their P4 diffractometer, which will allow small molecule diffractometry. This equipment will enhance research in a number of areas including the following: a) site-directed mutagenesis; b) combinatorial synthesis of catalysts and sensors based on bis-bridged calix[6]arenes; and c) polyhedral borane anion investigations. The X-ray diffractometer allows accurate and precise measurements of the full three dimensional structure of a molecule, including bond distances and angles, and it provides accurate information about the spatial arrangement of the molecule relative to the neighboring molecules. These studies will have an impact in a number of areas, including the preparation of more efficient catalysts, chemical sensors, and biochemistry.