Purchase of a 300 MHz FT-NMR Spectrometer for Research in Polymer Chemistry

East Tennessee State University, Johnson City TN

Investigators

Abstract

This award from the Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities (CRIF) Program will enable the Department of Chemistry at East Tennessee State University to purchase a 300 MHz fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance (FT-NMR) spectrometer. This equipment will be used primarily by junior faculty member Tammy A. Davidson, whose research focuses on the design and synthesis of chiral polymeric surfactants to be used as stabilizers for hybrid water/hexane and water/carbon dioxide solvent systems. These chiral surfactants have the potential to induce a chiral reaction medium for both organic synthesis and formation of polymers. NMR spectroscopy is a primary method of analysis of polymer structure. Dr. Davidson will also utilize NMR spectroscopy in both the undergraduate organic chemistry courses and in an undergraduate/graduate (MS) course on polymer synthesis.