With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Acquisition Program, the Department of Chemistry at Villanova University will acquire a Liquid Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (LCMS). The instrument will support a diverse body of research topics including identification of environmental and biological chemicals, photo degradation products of organic pollutants, amino acid uptake by bog plants and chemicals from university dormitories. Other research includes analysis of compounds from synthetic research and isotope effects on chemical equilibria.
Liquid Chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (LCMS) is a powerful technique used for the separation and analysis of complex mixtures. It probes structural details and molecular weights of a vast array of organic, bioorganic and inorganic molecules. It has become an indispensable tool for problem solving in virtually all analytical fields requiring chemical analysis. The instrument will be used by undergraduates and graduate students in their research and education projects. Operation of the instrument will be taught in the sophomore chemical instrumentation laboratory.
