The resonance Raman (RR) spectra of nickel octaethyl porphyrin, Ni(OEP), in CH₂Cl₂ (solvent) at different excitations such as 514.5, 488.0, 441.6 and 406.7 nm are recorded and analysed. The results of the theory of distortion-induced RR intensity is applied to the observed spectra to determine the excited electronic state symmetry of porphyrin in Ni(OEP). It is concluded that the porphyrin molecule (D_4h structure) attains a non-polar distorted structure of D₂ symmetry rather than S₄ symmetry in CH₂Cl₂ solution.

Trace elements have been at the focus of attention for decades with considerable emphasis on their role in biology and biomedical sciences, environmental sciences, geology, archaeology and material sciences. They comprise a large number of elements, some having essential physiological functions, whereas others are toxic, mutagenic or carcinogenic. A few even have antiproliferative and anticarciniogenic properties. The advent of various instrumental techniques and sophisticated instrumentations has made their detection to very low limits possible, making this a very important multidisciplinary study. Among these techniques the energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique is being widely used for trace element detection in various fields of science. Keeping the importance of trace elements in mind, the Kolkata centre of UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research initiated several research schemes in different fields of trace element research using various techniques, EDXRF being one of the main techniques. A Xenemetrix (erstwhile Jordan Valley) EX 3600 EDXRF spectrometer is being used to carry out the research. This presentation aims to highlight some of the very recent applications of EDXRF in the study of the role of trace elements in pre-cancerous tissues, medicinal plants and also in some environmental studies.