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 the latest computer software, the technique becomes even more powerful. The acquisition of X-ray diffraction instrumentation markedly improves the ability of chemistrs to carry out frontier research. The Department of Chemistry at the University of Alabama will acquire a single crystal X-ray diffractometer and upgrade an existing diffractometer with support from the Chemistry Shared Instrumentation Program. The instrumentation will enhance research in the following areas of chemistry: 1) Inclusion Chemistry 2) Synthetic Organic Chemistry 3) Solid State Chemistry 4) Synthetic Inorganic Fluorine Chemistry 5) Radical Cation Chemistry
