Through the use of advanced technologies, a diverse faculty, and computer innovation, the institution will produce an inorganic laboratory that bridges the gap between molecular and materials sciences using techniques and methodologies which will prepare students with the tools necessary to succeed in industry and academia today. The central plan for this new laboratory is to have students model, prepare, and completely characterize a series of independent inorganic systems that range from simple molecules, such as ferrocene, to extended molecular structures and materials, such as zeolites. In each case the students will: 1) explore the reaction conditions and characteristics of target substances using advanced computer software, 2) apply their computer results in the preparation of these systems by modern synthetic methodologies, and 3) completely characterize these systems using advanced spectroscopic and analytical technologies. At the completion of each system, the students will assess the success of the initial modeling efforts on the final observed product and reaction conditions, and test any changes they may develop through additional computer analysis. Each system/experiment will be a self standing module that is readily transferrable to other universities. This new laboratory will act as a model which can and will be implemented at universities and colleges across the country both in the inorganic curriculum and, with suitable examples, other sub-disciplines as well.
