The technique of X-ray crystallography is a powerful tool for the determination of the molecular structure of compounds as diverse as small polypeptide and complex metal clusters. When combined with the latest computer software, the technique is becoming remarkably easy to put into practice. The acquisition of X-ray crystallographic instrumentation markedly improves the ability of chemists to carry out frontier research. The Department of Chemistry at Case Western Reserve University will purchase a new Single Crystal X-ray Structure Determination System with support from the Chemistry Shared Instrumentation Program. The new instrumentation will be used to enhance research in areas of chemistry that involve the following types of materials: 1) conducting inorganic complexes and their precursors 2) transition metal silicon compounds 3) binuclear transition metal chelate complexes 4) natural products, their derivatives, and precursors used in their total synthesis