Purchase of a 400 MHz NMR Spectrometer for Research and Teaching

Cornell University, Ithaca NY

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Cornell University will acquire a 400 MHz NMR Spectrometer. This equipment will enable researchers to carry out research on a) the structure and redox activity of nanostructured dendrimers; b) the quantitative analysis of isotopic isomers needed to test dynamical theories of intramolecular rearrangements; c) the development of catalysts for the controlled synthesis of polymers with novel structures; d) the solution phase structure-reactivity relations of widely used organolithium reagents; e) studies on how protein structure controls redox- and photochemistry in biological catalysis and signal transduction; and f) the synthesis of transition metal complexes with bulky ligands and the mechanisms of these complexes interacting with small molecules. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is one of the most powerful tools 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 polymer chemistry and biochemistry.