Acquisition of an Electrospray/Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer to Support Student-Faculty Research at Carleton College

Carleton College, Northfield MN

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities (CRIF) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Carleton College will acquire an Electrospray/Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer. This equipment will enhance research in a number of areas including a) the analysis of peptides synthesized as enzyme inhibitors; b) glutathione-nitric oxide chemistry; c) electrochemically-initiated metalloporphyrin polymer formation; d) analysis of synthetic products such as vanadium (IV) ion sequestering agents; and e) analysis of organic components in atmospheric aerosols. The ion trap mass spectrometer will also be used in formal course work at Carleton. Mass spectrometry (MS) is a technique used to probe intimate structural details and to obtain the molecular compositions of a vast array of organic, bioorganic, and organometallic molecules. The results from these studies will have an impact in a number of areas including biochemistry and atmospheric chemistry.