MRI: Acquisition of a 500 MHz NMR Spectrometer to Enhance Undergraduate Research at Wellesley College

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This award from the Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI) as well as additional support from the Chemistry Research Instrumentation (CRIF) and the Chemical Synthesis (SYN) Programs funds the acquisition of a 500 MHz NMR spectrometer by Wellesley College. 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 or in the solid state. Access to state-of-the-art NMR spectrometers is essential to chemists who are carrying out modern research. This instrument is used in research on small organic molecules with potential anti-cancer and anti-tubercular properties, mutation of DNA oligonucleotides, and modified nanoparticles for imaging and medicinal usages. This spectrometer is also an integral component in training female undergraduate students. It is used by the students in courses and in their research projects. The proposal is aimed at enhancing research and education at all levels, especially in areas such as: (a) measuring equilibrium constants for base pair opening in DNA duplexes containing an abasic site lesion; (b) characterizing functionalization and magnetic properties of multipurpose nanoparticles; (c) determining the structure of novel coumarin derivatives with anti-tumor properties; (d) characterizing diverse pyrazolines as potential antitubercular agents; (e) synthesizing photoreactive small molecules to aid in the understanding of a GCPR transmembrane protein structure; and (f) using NOE methods to characterize the regiochemistry of N-substituted pyrazoles.