MRI: Acquisition of an X-ray Diffractometer at the University of Vermont

University Of Vermont & State Agricultural College, Burlington VT

Investigators

Abstract

With this award, co-funded by the Division of Chemistry and the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program , Professor Rory Waterman and colleagues Randall Headrick and John Hughes from University of Vermont & State Agricultural College will acquire a single-crystal X-ray diffractometer with low-temperature capabilities to be used in chemistry, geology and material science projects. The proposal is aimed at enhancing research training and education at all levels, especially in areas of study such as phosphaalkane synthesis, use of phthalocyanines for organic electronics and discotic liquid crystals, apatite OH-F-Cl ternary systems in geology, as well as studies of oxidation-reduction reactions of organotransition metal complexes and polycyclic heterocycles. An X-ray diffractometer allows accurate and precise measurements of the full three dimensional structure of a molecule, including bond distances and angles, and provides accurate information about the spatial arrangement of a molecule relative to neighboring molecules. The studies described here will impact a number of areas, including organic and inorganic chemistry, materials chemistry and geology. This instrument will be an integral part of teaching as well as research.