MRI: Acquisition of an LC/MS system for Middlebury College

Middlebury College, Middlebury VT

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Middlebury College will acquire a liquid chromatograph ion trap tandem mass spectrometer (LC/MS). This equipment will enhance research in a number of areas including a) studies on radical reactions of transition metal-polyene complexes; b) methods for carrying out allylation reactions with allyl palladium complexes with high enantioselectivity; c) studying the mechanism of action of anti-cancer compounds closely related to the commonly prescribed drug, cisplatin; and d) studies of the Maillard reaction. Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (LC/MS) is an extremely powerful technique used for the separation and analysis of complex mixtures. This instrument will substantially strengthen scientific research at Middlebury College, a primarily undergraduate institution. These studies will have a solid impact in the area of synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry.