Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

A triple-resonance magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) probe and associated accessories are urgently needed to support research programs on the characterization of non-covalent interactions, pharmaceutical polymorphs, and inorganic materials using solid-state NMR observables. This research is currently severely restricted due ongoing and costly failures of our existing decades-old NMR probes. The equipment will be part of the University of Ottawa NMR Core Facility and will be available to all internal and external users for the analysis of small molecules, materials, catalysts, and pharmaceuticals. Magic-angle spinning involves the rapid (many kHz) rotation of a powdered sample in the NMR probe to remove residual anisotropic broadening from the NMR spectra. This standard technique is absolutely essential to obtain high-resolution NMR spectra of spin-1/2 and quadrupolar nuclei including 13C, 15N, 17O, 23Na, 29Si, 31P, 77Se, and many more. MAS provides `solution-like' spectra of many isotopes and enables the assignment of resonances and the elucidation of molecular structure. The research programs supported offer HQP highly appropriate and unique in-depth training in solid-state NMR, crystal engineering, and mechanochemistry with an eye to applications inspired by areas of broad impact to the chemical community. All trainees will receive hands-on training with the NMR probe. As the instrumentation will be located physically in our NMR laboratory, HQP will have direct, hands-on access. Our dedicated NMR Facility staff are experts in solid-state NMR spectroscopy and are available to provide one-on-one and group training.