Acquisition of a 300 MHz NMR for the Enhancement of Research/Teaching at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi TX

Investigators

Abstract

With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi will acquire a 300 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) Spectrometer. This equipment will enable researchers to carry out studies on a) the factors responsible for chiral recognition with media specifically designed for use as chiral pseudostationary phases in capillary electrophoresis; b) the role of charged amino acid side chains in helix formation and aggregation; c) the identification of the active components in herbal medicines; and d) the identification of marine toxins. 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 medicinal chemistry and marine toxicology.