Acquisition of an EPR Spectrometer for Research and Teaching

Georgetown University, Washington DC

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities Multiuser Program (CRIF:MU), Professor Richard D. Bates and colleague Timothy H. Warren from Georgetown University will acquire an X-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer equipped with a liquid helium cryostat. The spectrometer will impact research in the area of catalytic intermediates for C-H bond functionalization, optically-switchable magnetic materials, photogenerated radical intermediates, encapsulated radical species, photoreduction of carbon dioxide as well as nitroxide-based resonance probes for biological imaging. Access to EPR techniques will also enable important new, natural directions of current research programs and student training. An EPR spectrometer yields detailed information on the geometric and electronic structure of molecular and solid state materials. It may also be used to obtain information about the lifetimes of free radicals, short-lived, highly reactive species involved in valuable chemical transformations as well as the initiation of pathological tumor growth. These studies will impact a number of areas, from the synthesis of organic molecules to the development of new solid state materials to the imaging of biological tissues. Employing examples inspired from ongoing research, this instrument will be an integral part of teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels.