X-ray diffractometer with molybdenum source (renewal)

• Subject Area: Analytical Chemistry
• Term: Funded in 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 583682583

This is an application for the refurbishment of a 13-year-old X-ray diffractometer, including accessories/peripherals, which is an integral part of the research activities of the applying working group and is showing age-related and wear problems (despite very careful handling). The device to be renewed is central to the research activities of the applying working group. This concerns inter alia local, national, and international collaborations. The Chair of Bioinorganic Chemistry, which operates the to be renewed X-ray diffractometer, is primarily involved in five research projects, four of which being directly associated with this diffractometer. The primary focus is on the bioinorganic chemistry of molybdenum and tungsten, namely A) with an emphasis on combined structural and functional model chemistry, also for deciphering the mechanisms of metalloenzymes, and B) with an emphasis on bio-inspired reactivity targeting small molecule activation and “second-sphere effects.” From A), the field of C) pentathiepin chemistry evolved by chance (through a failed attempt at complex synthesis), and does now account for a substantial part of the research activities of the working group; it falls within the field of pharmaceutically relevant molecules. In project D), we are interested in cage compounds that are to be optimized to bind or encapsulate phosphate ions and thus remove them from their current environment. Projects A) to D) are inherently synthetic projects whose resultant chemical products must be characterized in detail. Whenever possible, this is done by elucidating the molecular structures using X-ray structural analysis, which is an essential analytical pillar of the group. Beyond the molecular structures, detailed insights into the electronic structures, especially of transition metal complexes, can also be gained, mostly in combination with spectroscopic and/or theoretical methods. In addition, X-ray structural analysis is a core expertise of the chair and also offers associated junior scientists the opportunity to acquire the relevant qualifications by, initially supervised, hands-on application of the method.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Röntgendiffraktometer mit Molybdänquelle (Erneuerung)
• Instrumentation Group: 4010 Einkristall-Diffraktometer
• Applicant Institution: Universität Greifswald
• Leader: Professorin Dr. Carola Schulzke