MRI: Acquisition of a 400 MHz NMR Spectrometer to Facilitate Faculty Research and Improve Undergraduate Research Training

Berry College, Mount Berry GA

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, Professor Gary Breton from Berry College and colleagues Kevin Hoke, Theunis Van Aardt and Dominic Qualley will acquire a 400 MHz NMR spectrometer. The proposal is aimed at enhancing research training and education at all levels, especially in areas such as (a) synthesis of strained dinitrogen heterocycles, (b) stepwise assembly of coordination complexes on electrode surfaces, (c) characterization of the nucleic acid binding activity of the bovine leukemia virus NC protein, and (d) stereoselective synthesis of pterocarpans. 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 synthetic organic/inorganic chemistry, materials chemistry and biochemistry. This instrument will be an integral part of teaching as well as research at Berry College and neighboring institutions such as Shorter University.