Acquisition of a CCD Single Crystal X-ray Diffraction System for a Partnership of Central New England Institutions

Keene State College, Keene NH

Investigators

Abstract

With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Keene State College will acquire a single-crystal X-ray diffractometer with CCD detector and low temperature capability. Faculty at six private liberal arts undergraduate schools (Clark University, Dartmouth College, Middlebury College, St. Anselm College, Williams College and Worcester Polytechnic Institute) will also have access to the diffractometer. The new instrument will enhance the basic understanding, research and teaching efforts of fourteen faculty with investigative schemes centered around several areas including catalysis using inorganic and organometallic compounds, natural product synthesis of biologically active compounds, host-guest behavior/exchange in 2D and 3D molecular frameworks, synthesis of molecular magnetic materials, and solid-state reactivity and polymorphism in molecular crystals. 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, especially materials chemistry and biochemistry.