Benchtop Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer - Project Summary/Abstract This proposal seeks funding for the acquisition of a benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer with a dual band (1H/13C), pulsed field gradient-equipped probe and sample changer accessories. The proposed Bruker Fourier 80 Benchtop instrument utilizes a permanent magnet that operates cryogen-free at 80 MHz and provides for low maintenance and significantly reduced operating costs relative to high field instruments that require liquid helium and liquid nitrogen cooling. The instrument will significantly enhance our educational (CHEM 113A/B, 114, 146) and research programs (Major Users: Miller Conrad, Dirlam, Radlauer; and Other Users: Brook, Rios, Lew) at San José State University (SJSU). Access to the requested instrument will provide critical training for our students in the synthesis and development of new biologically-active small molecules and for supporting on-campus synthetic research with biomedical applications. Our current 300 MHz NMR instrument has passed its “end-of-service” by the manufacturer. It is unreliable and limited to a 16-sample carousel for the autosampler. It also requires a steady supply of helium gas, which has become a sustainability problem in recent years due to the global helium shortage. The proposed instrument will double our NMR capacity. The expanded autosampler with 48 positions will maximize efficient, around the clock use for both education and research purposes. Shifting teaching labs to use the proposed instrument will also free the current higher field instrument for research needs. The benchtop NMR will give students the opportunity to get hands-on experience in the acquisition of 1H and 13C spectra on samples they synthesized across multiple courses during their undergraduate degree, expanding training and access to the direct use of the NMR instrument for ~200 additional students per year. The proposed instrument will support students conducting research in the Major and Other Users’ labs as well as students in Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) in the capstone labs. Both practices aim to help build students’ identities as scientists and foster a sense of belonging in the field; a goal that is particularly important for our diverse student body. Enhanced hands-on access to NMR will give students an edge in their post-SJSU academic and industrial pursuits. The research labs supported by this grant as Major and Other Users have received funding from federal agencies including the NIH, NSF and DOE. They have strong publication records in peer-reviewed journals, while providing critical research experiences and hands-on training for undergraduate and master’s students. Direct access to the proposed instrument as well as enhanced access to the existing 300 MHz instrument is critical for the advancement of synthetic research with biomedical applications at SJSU.
