With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation Program, Professor Ram Mohan from Illinois Wesleyan University and colleagues Rebecca Roesner and Brian Brennan 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) so-called environmentally friendly organic synthesis using bismuth and iron compounds as catalysts; (b) therapeutics for sickle cell disease; and (c) development of azamacrocyclic receptors for polyoxometalates.
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 Illinois Wesleyan University and neighboring institutions such as the local community college (Heartland Community College).
