Upgrade of an X-ray Diffractometer

University Of Rochester, Rochester NY

Investigators

Abstract

With support from the Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities (CRIF) Program, the Department of Chemistry at the University of Rochester will upgrade an X-ray diffractometer with a more sensitive detector, a more intense beam, low temperature apparatus and video microscope. This equipment will enhance research in a number of areas including the following: a) three-coordinate, paramagnetic complexes of iron, cobalt, and nickel; b) activation of strong bonds; c) luminescent complexes of platinum and gold; and d) stereoselective total synthesis of natural products and development of synthetic organic methodology. 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, in particular synthetic organic chemistry.