MRI: Acquisition of a CCD Single Crystal X-ray Diffraction System for a Partnership of Maine Institutions

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With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Colby College will acquire a X-ray diffractometer with CCD detector for small molecule diffractometry. This equipment will be used by five educational institutions in Maine: Colby College, Bates College, Bowdoin College, the University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine. The X-ray CCD diffractometer will enhance research in a number of areas including 1) studies of copper-arene chemistry; 2) development of new synthetic methods of selected natural products; 3) synthesis of polycyclic cage compounds with unusual architecture; 4) structure-function relationships in metalloenzymes and metalloenzymes mimics; and 5) production of C-2 symmetric lanthanocene catalyst systems and their utility in the construction of chiral molecules. The X-ray diffractometer allows accurate and precise measurements of the full three dimensional structure of a molecule, including bond distances and angles, and it provides accurate information about the spatial arrangement of the molecule relative to the neighboring molecules. These studies will have an impact in a number of areas, including organic and natural products synthesis plus biological, organometallic and materials areas of inorganic chemistry. The instrument will play a major supporting role in the research efforts of all of the participating institutions, which range from bachelor's level to Ph.D.-granting schools. In addition, the diffraction system will be used for the formal education of students in advanced chemistry courses utilizing the capability of the diffractometer to be run off site.