Powerful New Tool Advances Chemistry Research at UVic
University of Victoria researchers can
now peer into the structure of molecules in finer detail than ever before,
thanks to a sophisticated new instrument recently acquired by the university’s
chemistry department.
The 500-megahertz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, which was officially “opened” at a ceremony today, is the most powerful instrument of its kind on Vancouver Island and one of only a handful in B.C. It was purchased with a $750,000 equipment grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.
“The acquisition of this state-of-the-art instrument represents the ongoing commitment of the federal government to university research and innovation,” says UVic President Dr. David Turpin. “Instruments such as this are absolutely essential for our scientists to continue their world-class research and teach the most advanced techniques to their students.”
“The government of Canada wants to help put the most sophisticated equipment available in the hands of Canadian researchers,” says David Anderson, MP for Victoria and Minister of the Environment. “Their efforts result in advancements in science and economic benefits for Canada through the creation of jobs and new opportunities. As a member of this community, I’m very proud of the excellent work done at UVic.”
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrosopy uses very intense magnetic fields to take detailed snapshots of molecules, much as an MRI machine takes images of the human body. Researchers use these molecular snapshots to identify what a molecule is made of and how all the atoms are arranged within it. The more powerful the instrument, the more complex the molecules it can analyse.
“NMR spectroscopy is the most important instrument that chemists have to determine the structure of molecules,” says UVic organic chemist Dr. Reg Mitchell. It’s an especially essential tool in modern synthetic chemistry, in which researchers create novel molecules that aren’t found in nature.
“The number of ways that atoms can be joined together in a complex molecule is huge,” explains Mitchell. “NMR spectometry is how we know what molecules we’ve made and how they might interact with other molecules.”
The new instrument looks like a giant thermos flask about metre-and-a-half tall and a metre in diameter. At its heart is an extremely strong magnet, but most of the space in the cylinder is taken up with refrigerant, which is liquid helium cooled by liquid nitrogen. The “nuclear” in NMR refers to the nucleii of atoms, which possess magnetic properties.
Mitchell predicts that the new instrument will soon be running 24-hours a day to meet demand. It will be used in a wide range of research projects, including the synthesis of molecules that make it easier for cells to absorb drugs, and the development of molecules that change their conductivity when exposed to light, for possible use as computer components.
The 500-megahertz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, which was officially “opened” at a ceremony today, is the most powerful instrument of its kind on Vancouver Island and one of only a handful in B.C. It was purchased with a $750,000 equipment grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.
“The acquisition of this state-of-the-art instrument represents the ongoing commitment of the federal government to university research and innovation,” says UVic President Dr. David Turpin. “Instruments such as this are absolutely essential for our scientists to continue their world-class research and teach the most advanced techniques to their students.”
“The government of Canada wants to help put the most sophisticated equipment available in the hands of Canadian researchers,” says David Anderson, MP for Victoria and Minister of the Environment. “Their efforts result in advancements in science and economic benefits for Canada through the creation of jobs and new opportunities. As a member of this community, I’m very proud of the excellent work done at UVic.”
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrosopy uses very intense magnetic fields to take detailed snapshots of molecules, much as an MRI machine takes images of the human body. Researchers use these molecular snapshots to identify what a molecule is made of and how all the atoms are arranged within it. The more powerful the instrument, the more complex the molecules it can analyse.
“NMR spectroscopy is the most important instrument that chemists have to determine the structure of molecules,” says UVic organic chemist Dr. Reg Mitchell. It’s an especially essential tool in modern synthetic chemistry, in which researchers create novel molecules that aren’t found in nature.
“The number of ways that atoms can be joined together in a complex molecule is huge,” explains Mitchell. “NMR spectometry is how we know what molecules we’ve made and how they might interact with other molecules.”
The new instrument looks like a giant thermos flask about metre-and-a-half tall and a metre in diameter. At its heart is an extremely strong magnet, but most of the space in the cylinder is taken up with refrigerant, which is liquid helium cooled by liquid nitrogen. The “nuclear” in NMR refers to the nucleii of atoms, which possess magnetic properties.
Mitchell predicts that the new instrument will soon be running 24-hours a day to meet demand. It will be used in a wide range of research projects, including the synthesis of molecules that make it easier for cells to absorb drugs, and the development of molecules that change their conductivity when exposed to light, for possible use as computer components.
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