With support from the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program, Robert L. Kuczkowski of The University of Michigan is continuing his research in the area of fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy of weak complexes. He will investigate the structure and dynamics of a) sulfur dioxide complexes, b) cyclopropane complexes, c) complexes involving strong acids, d) metal complexes, and e) termolecular complexes. Calculations using models provided by Stone or Muenter will be performed for comparison purposes, which will yield highly accurate tilt and torsional angles. Results from the above studies will provide fundamental information on the nature of weak binding forces between molecules and on intermolecular potential functions. Such results will help to test models and develop theories which can guide chemists on how compounds interact, grow into larger clusters, and arrange themselves in condensed phases. This has potential implications for a wide spectrum of important phenomena ranging from biochemical applications such as drug design and transport of species across membranes, to physical processes such as cloud formation, acid rain phenomena and substrate-catalyst interactions.
