Acquisition of a 500 MHz NMR Spectrometer for Research and Education

Cuny City College, New York NY

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at the City University of New York - City College Campus will acquire a 500 MHz NMR Spectrometer. This equipment will enable researchers to carry out studies on (i) studies of chemically modified nucleosides and DNA; (ii) synthesis of unusual nucleosides and studies on DNA containing them; (iii) synthesis of high energy-density N-nitramino and geminal difluoramino solid propellants; (iv) studies of the structure and dynamics of selected isolated protein fragments to learn about the unfolded state of proteins; (v) novel pharmacophores against opportunistic infections related to AIDS; (vi) studies of the S-layer protein of Lactobacillus brevis; and (vii) synthesis of enediyne glycofuranosides. 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 synthetic chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry and biology.