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Research There are a number of ongoing research projects in my lab involving the synthesis of Group 6 halide clusters and their derivatives. Introduction Electron transfer in biological systems such as the inner membrane of mitochondria is controlled by protein structure, microenvironment, and protein-protein interactions. Understanding the influence of environment and distance on rates of electron transfer is fundamental in elucidating biochemical mechanisms and controlling electrochemical reactions. The challenge for the synthetic chemist is to prepare an organized assembly for electron transfer that has the flexibility to allow systematic variation of both distance and environment.   Surfactant-Modified Cluster Synthesis One current research project involves the covalent attachment of ligands of varying size and length to a central metal cluster core. The metal cluster provides a redox active center allowing convenient electrochemical measurement of both diffusion coefficients and heterogeneous electron transfer rates. (Bu4N)2[W6Cl8Cl6] + 6 Ag(CnH2n+1SO3) --> (Bu4N)2[W6Cl8(CnH2n+1SO3)6] + 6 AgCl Alkanesulfonate-modifed clusters have been prepared and we are currently investigating the electrochemical properties of these clusters. Cyanide-Bridged Clusters We have synthesized a large number of clusters that have been complexed with electron-rich metallo-cyanide ligands. Current work is focused on synthesis and characterization of geometrical isomers of these complexes.