Acquisition of a Gel-Permeation Chromatograph and ReactIR for Polymerization Studies at Luther College

在主要研究仪器（MRI）计划的支持下，路德学院化学系将获得凝胶渗透色谱仪（GPC）和ReactIR仪器用于聚合物表征。该设备将加强许多领域的研究，包括开发a）从天然存在的萜烯衍生的新型植物基聚酯; B）植物基聚衍生自吗啉-2，5-二酮的新型内酯聚合催化剂; c）基于钛（IV）醇盐的新型内酯聚合催化剂; d）衍生自天然存在的脂肪酸的新型植物基聚烯烃;和e）新颖的光学活性的后过渡金属烯烃聚合催化剂。凝胶渗透色谱（GPC）是一种非常强大的技术，用于分离和分析复杂的混合物，其中组分根据其尺寸分离。它是学术界和工业界精确测定聚合物样品分子量和多分散指数的标准方法。 ReactIR是一种原位傅里叶变换红外（FTIR）分光光度计，可实时监测化学反应。 这些仪器将大大加强在这个主要是本科院校的科学研究，并将允许聚合物和材料科学纳入研究和教学计划。

With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Luther College will acquire a gel permeation chromatograph (GPC) and ReactIR instrument for polymer characterization. This equipment will enhance research in a number of areas including the development of a) novel plant-based polyesters derived from naturally-occurring terpenes; b) plant-based poly(ester amides) derived from morpholine-2,5-diones; c) novel lactone polymerization catalysts based upon titatnium (IV) alkoxides; d) novel plant-based polyolefins derived from naturally-occurring fatty acids; and e) novel optically active, late transition metal olefin polymerization catalysts. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is an extremely powerful technique used for the separation and analysis of complex mixtures, in which components are separated based on their size. It is the standard method in both academia and industry to accurately determine the molecular weight and polydispersity index of a polymer sample. The ReactIR is an in situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer that allows real-time monitoring of chemical reactions. These instruments will substantially strengthen scientific research at this primarily undergraduate institution and will allow for the incorporation of polymer and material sciences into the research and teaching programs.