The du Pont Company has granted $15,000 to the University as part of a $1.2 million program to promote basic scientific research, it was announced yesterday. The award is to be used for "explorations" in the field of chemistry.

This grant, given annually, is divided among professors and instructors in the Chemistry Department for use in individual research, a member of the Department explained. Unlike other stipends, the du Pont gift is given with no restrictions governing its use. Thus it fosters much work in chemistry that would not otherwise be possible, he added.

M.I.T. and Yale received $25,000 and $20,000 respectively for use in scientific studies, and Brown received $5,000. Brown was the only first-time recipient.