MRI: Acquisition of a High Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer for Use in Chemistry Research

Bates College, Lewiston ME

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Bates College will acquire a 400 MHz NMR Spectrometer. This equipment will enable researchers to carry out studies on a) the development of chiral NMR shift reagents; b) the biomimetic synthesis of paeciolospirone, a marine polyketide; and c) the development of metalloporphyrin-based heterogeneous catalysts for use in the decomposition of toxic chemicals or for environmentally-benign 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, in particular environmental chemistry.