Chemistry & Biochemistry

SDSU Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer Facility
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has three Varian VNMRS nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers:

1. VNMRS 600 MHz, installed in Spring 2007, and generally dedicated to biomolecular studies;
2. INOVA 500 MHz, allocated for specialized work such as variable-temperature and kinetics studies;
3. VNMRS 400 MHz, installed in Fall 2006, the workhorse machine for all synthetic chemists in the department, equipped with a sample changer for overnight use.

Machine Shop

A complement of probes provides the ability to observe the resonances of ¹H, ¹⁹F and all nuclei with resonance frequencies between ³¹P and ¹⁵N. These probes can perform all modern one- and multi-dimensional experiments that are essential for chemical research. All of the spectrometers are capable of indirect detection and are equipped with pulsed-field gradients. The 500 and 400 MHz spectrometers have automated dual broadband probes (¹H-¹⁹F/¹⁵N-³¹P) that can be automatically tuned for any nucleus in these ranges and for any solvent. The 600 and 500 MHz spectrometers have three channel (¹H/¹³C/¹⁵N) probes. The 500 MHz spectrometer has a probe for triple or quadruple resonance work, capable of simultaneous or single irradiation of ¹³C, ¹⁵N, and ³¹P frequencies. All probes have variable temperature capability.

The spectrometers are being networked, allowing data to be remotely processed. Students routinely acquire data on the 400 MHz spectrometers. In addition to meeting the educational and research needs of the university, the NMR facility provides analytical services for industry and other educational institutions. Bennett Addison is the full-time administrator of this equipment.