Acquisition of a Single Crystal X-ray Diffractometer

University Of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz CA

Investigators

Abstract

With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at the University of California in Santa Cruz will acquire a single-crystal X-ray diffractometer with CCD detector and low temperature capability. By careful analyses of detailed structural chemical data, made possible by the enhanced capabilities of the new instrument, the major users will investigate the following systems: a) cationic microporous and layered metal oxides for anion-based applications; b) the role of metal ions in biology; c) chemical biology of marine sponge-derived products; d) charge density studies of biologically important ligands; and e) copper binding in the prion protein. 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.