Acquisition of a Hybrid Small/Macromolecule X-Ray Diffractometer System

University Of Kentucky Research Foundation, Lexington KY

Investigators

Abstract

With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, Sean Parkin and colleagues at the University of Kentucky will purchase a hybrid small/macromolecule X-ray diffractometer system with a SMART CCD detector. The instrumentation will include a rotating anode dual source X-ray generator, k-axis goniometer, focusing optics and low-temperature apparatus. The PIs will investigate polymorphism, superstructures, absolute stereochemistry, highly reactive/unstable compounds, charge density analysis and protein structure. Faculty at numerous small institutions in the area will also have access at no charge. 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 polymer sciences and biochemistry.