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

The applicants request support for upgrading the University of Lethbridge's 500 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer. NMR spectroscopy is the main tool used to analyze molecular structures and dynamics of pure compounds, mixtures and biological samples. This instrument has been the mainstay of the NMR facility over the last ten years. It serves 24 principle investigators at or in collaboration with those at the University of Lethbridge in research areas including: materials science, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, catalysis, biophysics, environmental science, energy research, and NMR imaging. The NMR facility is central to the training of numerous undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Our facility is especially optimized for the study of fluorine-containing materials. Fluorine is present in 40% of all pharmaceuticals, and is used extensively in materials related to alternative energy, environmental technology, and electronics applications. The study of this element, however, places special demands on NMR instrumentation and experiments. A refurbished 500 MHz NMR spectrometer is the essential component of the centre of excellence at the University of Lethbridge in applied fluorine chemistry, which is unique in the world. The proposed series of modifications will have the maximum impact in the most cost effective manner, thereby enabling continuation of scientific excellence and training of the next generation of scientists. This investment represents a mere 12.5% of the estimated cost of full replacement and will extend the operational lifetime of the instrument by at least 10 years. This upgrade will allow the University of Lethbridge to continue to define the cutting edge of modern fluorine chemistry.