MRI: Acquisition of a 400 MHz NMR Spectrometer for Use in Research and Research Training at Reed College

Reed College, Portland OR

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Reed College will acquire a 400 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer. This equipment will enable researchers to carry out studies on a) enzyme mechanisms through magnetization tansfer; b) synthesis of transition-state mimics; c) natural product synthesis; and d) mechanistic and structural studies of sugar isomerases. 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 spectrometers is essential to chemists who are carrying out frontier research.