The technique of X-ray crystallography is a powerful tool for the determination of the molecular structure of compounds as diverse as small polypeptides and complex metal clusters. When combined with modern computing hardware and software, the technique is remarkably efficient 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 the University of Minnesota will use this award from the Chemistry Shared Instrumentation Program to help acquire, operate and maintain important upgrades for its current X-ray facility. The new instrumentation will be used to enhance research in the following areas of chemistry: 1) Crystallographic evidence for nucleophilic attack on nitriles 2) Hydrogen bonding patterns in solid state organic molecules 3) Structures of new organic and organometallic compounds 4) Structures of new transition metal carbonyl clusters 5) Synthesis and reactivity of gold transition metal alloy compounds with applications as catalysts and new materials.
