Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

This application requests funding for a high throughput ultra high pressure liquid chromatography mass spectrometry instrument (UHPLC/MS), to be used for the rapid separation and analysis of samples generated by research groups in the areas of catalysis, organic reaction methodology development, medicinal chemistry, natural products synthesis, and chemical biology. It is intended that this instrument provide researchers with both real-time, walk up access to ultra fast, modern LC/MS capability, in addition to serving as a tool for the analysis of large numbers of samples generated from parallel screening experiments.We require an auto-sampling, ultra high pressure chromatography system coupled with high sensitivity UV/fluorescence detection and a broad mass-range MS analyzer to allow for fast, precise and timely analyte separation, detection, and identification. This tool will greatly enhance our ability to identify new catalysts and synthetic processes that are vital to ensure the sustainability of chemical synthesis, in addition to assisting in the analysis of potential small molecule therapeutics and complex biomolecules important to human health.The instrument will be located in the Department of Chemistry's Mass Spectrometry Facility, a centre which provides department-wide access to mass spectrometry related equipment and services. A UHPLC/MS instrument will enable the facile and timely assessment of research samples generated by over 60 HQP belonging to 6 core research groups within the Department. This instrumentation is vital to HQP training as most potential employers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors will have similar instrumentation and expect HQP hires have hands-on experience with UHPLC/MS.