The Rappe' Group Does Theoretical Catalysis


The group uses molecular mechanics and ab initio electronic structure techniques to study catalytic reactions such as olefin polymerization; the selective oxidation of methane and olefins. Both polymerization and oxidation have been cited by the Vision 2020 Catalysis Report as critical applications.

A recent development has been the computation of the elastic properties of nanotubes

To be able to carry out these studies, the Rappe' group, and its collaborators, have developed the full periodic table Universal Force Field (UFF) [over 500 citations!] and the RFF (Reaction Force Field). Look here for monthly updates on the publication of this unique methodology.

Check out rotatable images of a polymerization transition state and an olefin oxidation transition state.

Are you a chemistry major in your junior year? Do you want a job doing theoretical research this summer? In Colorado? And get paid for it? Then point your browser to our online application.


Rappe' and Casewit have written a molecular mechanics textbook. Reviews are good!
Picture of Book
Molecular Mechanics across Chemistry has been "warmly recommended" in a 1998 review published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

The Journal of Chemical Information and Computer Science adds, "...the most complete coverage of molecular mechanics I have come across." Furthermore, "...exercises are well thought out..." and Molecular Mechanics across Chemistry is "... a fine textbook."

For yet another positive opinion, click on over to a web review of the book by GeneView.

Take a look at the book's table of contents.

You can buy Molecular Mechanics across Chemistry online through Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.







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Selected Publications

E-mail professor Rappe'
at anthony.rappe@colostate.edu




Revised 1/05/02