The Chemistry Department at the University of California will acquire a single crystal X-ray diffractometer with a state of the art charge coupled detector (CCD) and low temperature capability. The major users will make use of the new instrument in the following research areas: a) Chemistry of the lanthanide and actinide elements, b) Effects of non-covalent interactions on metal mediated transformations, c) Redox-active ligands for small molecule activation and catalysis, d) Invention of new methods for chemical synthesis of complex molecules of biomedical importance, e) New methods for stereoselective carbon-carbon bond-formation.
X-ray diffractometers are widely used to allow prompt and definitive characterization of reaction products whose characterization by other means is often difficult or ambiguous. They provide accurate and precise measurements of the full three-dimensional structure of a molecule, including bond distances and angles, as well as the spatial arrangement of the molecule relative to the neighboring molecules. The results of these studies contribute to a broad range of areas, including inorganic, organic, organometallic, biological, and materials chemistry. The new instrument will be a resource for local academic and industrial laboratories and will contribute significantly to the Chemistry Department's educational and outreach programs.
