Acquisition of a 400 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectrometer

Sacred Heart University, Fairfield CT

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Sacred Heart University will acquire a two-channel, pulsed-field gradient 400 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) Spectrometer. This equipment will enable researchers to carry out a numbers of studies including a) the conformation, orientation and location of biologically active lipoidal/amphiphilic compounds in liposomal membranes; b) protein-RNA interactions; c) structure elucidation of natural products; d) synthesis of self-assembling multi-metallic systems; e) synthesis of potential anti-hypoxia agents; and f) microwave applications in organic synthesis. 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. The results from these NMR studies will have an impact in a number of areas including biochemistry.