Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

The determination of molecular structures plays a crucial role in the development of science and of chemistry in particular. Molecular structures are keys to a deeper understanding of chemistry, which, in turn, is the prerequisite to transform chemical knowledge into technology for the benefit of society. The method of single-crystal X-ray diffraction is the most important method to determine structures of molecular species. This method is of central importance in the area of molecular chemistry and is one of the most important standard methods of characterization to date. The equipment requested will be used to repair and upgrade an existing single-crystal X-ray diffractometer that will be used for research and training of highly qualified personnel. This instrument is located in the Saskatchewan Structural Sciences Centre (SSSC), which is a central facility that serves the scientific community of the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) and other researchers external to the U of S. The existing diffractometer has served approximately 20 research groups in the past. For many research programs the availability of an X-ray diffractometer is essential for their research. This holds true for the seven applicants of this proposal, whose research programs span a wide field from organometallic-, to (bio)organic-, and medicinal chemistry.