MRI/RUI: Acquisition of a 400 MHz NMR to Enhance Faculty & Undergraduate Research and Chemistry Education at Augustana College

Augustana College, Rock Island IL

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Augustana College will acquire a 400 MHz NMR Spectrometer. This equipment will enable researchers to carry out research on a) yeast fatty acid metabolism and the role of mitochondrial transporters; b) novel chiral spiro-liquid crystals; and c) solvent effects of reactions with nanocrystalline (NC) MgO and aluminum oxide. The instrument will be integrated into core lab courses and faculty at area colleges will also have access. 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 biochemistry, materials chemistry and nanotechnology.