Inorganic, Bioinorganic and Organometallic Chemistry

Supports research on the synthesis, properties, and reaction mechanisms of molecules composed of metals, metalloids, and nonmetals with elements covering the entire periodic table. Included are fundamental studies that underscore (1) bioinorganic reactions, (2) homogeneous catalysis and organometallic reactions, (3) photochemical and charge transfer processes, and (4) studies aimed at the rational synthesis of new inorganic molecular substances, self-assemblies, and nano-size materials with predictable chemical, physical, and biological properties. Objectives are to provide the basis for understanding (1) the function of metal ions in biological systems, (2) the behavior of new inorganic materials and new industrial catalysts, and (3) the systematic chemistry and behavior of most of the elements and compounds in the environment. The program has links to other programs within NSF that support chemistry research, including Solid State Chemistry and Polymers (Materials Research Division, MPS Directorate); Chemical Reaction Processes (Chemical and Transport Systems Division, ENG Directorate); Biochemistry and Biophysics (Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Division, BIO Directorate); and Geochemistry (Earth Sciences Division, GEO Directorate).