With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Southern Oregon University will acquire a 400 MHz NMR Spectrometer. This equipment will enable researchers to carry out studies on a) structural elucidation of new conotoxins; b) the identification of the components of deer tarsal glands; and c) structural characterization of synthetic intermediates. The instrument will also be used in a number of advanced undergraduate courses. Students will be heavily involved in the research projects at this primarily undergraduate institution.
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 a number of areas including synthetic chemistry and biochemistry.
