Acqusition of a 400-MHz NMR Spectrometer for Use in Research and Research Training in Chemistry at Oberlin College

Oberlin College, Oberlin OH

Investigators

Abstract

With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Oberlin College will acquire a 400 MHz NMR Spectrometer. This equipment will enable researchers to carry out studies on a) peptide-surface interactions and engineered biomaterials; b) direct measurement of secondary structure in a membrane receptor-ligand complex; c) coordination chemistry of alpha-azoimines; d) asymmetric catalysts; and e) mechanistic and synthetic studies of oxyallyl intermediates. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is the most powerful tool available to chemists for the elucidation of the structure of molecules. It is used to identify unknown substances, to characterize specific arrangements of atoms within molecules, and to study the dynamics of interactions between molecules in solution. Access to state-of-the-art NMR spectrometry is essential to chemists who are carrying out frontier research. The results from these NMR studies will have an impact in a number of areas including biological chemistry.