Upgrade of a High Resolution Mass Spectrometer

University Of Alabama Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa AL

Investigators

Abstract

With support from the Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities (CRIF) Program, the Department of Chemistry at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa will upgrade and refurbish an existing high resolution mass spectrometer. This equipment will enhance research in a number of areas including 1) the organic chemistry of sulfur, selenium, and tellurium compounds; 2) the biosynthesis of tetrapyrroles; 3) applications of ionic liquids for fast atom bombardment mass spectrometery; 4) studies of fluorine chemistry; 5) the characterization of biomimetic chromium carboxylate assemblies; and 6) the incorporation of modified nucleosides into nucleic acids. 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. It is one of the fastest growing and most widely used analytical instrumentation techniques. These studies will have a significant impact in a number of areas including biochemistry and synthetic organic chemistry. In addition, over 50 student researchers including graduate students, undergraduate students and local high school teachers will use mass spectrometry in their research projects at the university over the next few years. This instrument will also be available to students and faculty at other regional universities.