The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Lab (NMR Lab) provides training and access to all researchers who wish to use our instrumentation. In addition to researchers within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, we are open to research groups from outside our department and outside the University of Oklahoma.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful and non-destructive analytical technique that has revolutionized organic chemistry since the mid-20th century. Widely used for determining the structure and characterization of organic, inorganic, and biological molecules, NMR offers unique advantages over methods like X-ray crystallography, particularly in resolving three-dimensional structures of biological molecules. Before its advent in 1955, organic compound structures were deciphered through chemical tests and degradations. NMR provides detailed information through parameters such as chemical shifts, coupling constants, and relaxation times, making it invaluable in fields like chemistry, biology, and medicine for studying time-dependent phenomena like conformational changes and chemical exchange.
The 500 NMR spectrometer was originally purchased as a VXR model in 1987 and was completely upgraded to a VNMRS model by the University in 2006 with the addition of Dr. Susan Schroeder and Dr. Robert Cichewicz to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty.
The spectrometer is a three channel, 28 shims Varian VNMRS-500 equipped with two probes: triplet resonance H{13C/15N} PFG probe, and a tunable indirect detection 1H{15N-31P} PFG probe.
The 400 MHz NMR was originally purchased as a Varian Unity/Inova model in 1994 and was completely upgraded to the Varian VNMRS model in October, 2007 under the NSF Multi-user Grant # 0639199.
The system is complete with robotic sample insertion, automatic tuning and variable temperature accessories. The system is equipped with two probes: a auto-tunable indirect detection 1H{15N-31P} PFG probe and a auto-tunable Dual Broadband 15N-31P {1H} PFG probe optimized for broadband detection.
The 300 MHz NMR was purchased in 2000 under a NSF multi-user grant. It operates with a 4-nuclei autoswitchable PFG probe. It can collect 1H/19F/13C/P31 without retuning the probe.
This instrument is designed for walk-up use and is primarily used by the synthetic chemistry groups. Mornings, Evenings and Overnight time can be reserved in advance in large blocks, but daytime can only be reserved in 15 minute blocks.
All students will begin training on the 300 NMR. Training sessions will be approximately 45 minutes in duration and will be held as many times as necessary for the student to gain competency. More advanced students and post-docs may gain certification by demonstrating their ability to use the instruments and by completing the assignments.
Certification to use the 300 NMR will be given as NMR Test #300-1, Test #300-2 and Practical Assignments #300-1 and #300-2 are completed as approved by Dr. Nimmo.
Training will begin on the 400 upon successful completion of 300 training. Certification to use the 400 NMR will be given as NMR Test #400-1, and Practical Assignments #400-1 and #400-2 are completed as approved by Dr. Nimmo.
Training will begin on the 500 upon successful completion of 400 training and Test #500-1. Certification to use the 500 NMR between 8-5 Monday-Friday will be given as NMR Test #500-2 is completed as approved by Dr. Nimmo. Unlimited access will be given upon the completion of NMR Test #500-3
Additional training may be requested on an individual basis. The training here represents the most basic and common use of the spectrometers in our department.
Variable temperature training will be given as needed. Supervision of variable temperature experiments will continue until both the NMR facility manager and the student are completely confident of the student's ability to safely carry out these experiments independently.
All students will be provided a NMR Facility User Manual which details policies and gives step by step instuctions for operation of the instruments.
NSF CHE#0639199
Goal: Provide NMR access to regional undergraduate institutions
Several regional undergraduate institutions wish to improve the teaching of their students with NMR experiments; however they do not have access to instrumentation. We will provide resources to these undergraduate institutions much in the same way that the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) operates a virtual NMR facility. This program has been successful with regards to bringing high field NMR expertise to other institutions.
Regional undergraduate institutions have different needs than large research institutions. Undergraduate universities require virtual NMR facilities which are available to them with regards to training, proximity and instrument time. Our program will model PNNL in providing teaching and research opportunities to regional undergraduate institutions with the 400 MHz NMR, which is sufficient for our external user base. We will provide additional benefit through on-site training, tours and demonstrations in addition to remote operation and observation of the NMR experiment. Samples will be mailed to the NMR laboratory where a graduate student assistant will make the NMR samples, load the samples into the autosampler and clean the tubes at the conclusion.
Success of the remote access by the Undergraduate institutions is heavily dependent on the availability and quality of training. It is imperative that both the professors and the students understand how to properly use the instrument. Therefore, four workshops will be had for the purpose of training and collaboration of the professors. The workshop will be divided into parts: effective teaching technique discussions and NMR training. Training will continue throughout the year via remote screen sharing.
Instrument time is scheduled using the Faces On-line NMR Time Sign-up web page. Our group name is OU-NMR. A username and password will be provided to each user at the initial training session.
Dr. John Peters is a leading researcher in biological electron transfer reactions, focusing on processes crucial for metabolism, energy production, and agriculture. His work centers on understanding nitrogen fixation, where atmospheric nitrogen is converted to ammonia by microorganisms, aiming to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Through structural and spectroscopic studies, his lab investigates the enzyme nitrogenase and engineers microorganisms to enhance ammonia production. Additionally, Dr. Peters explores electron transfer in energy storage to improve biofuel production. His contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Cozzarelli Prize and election as a Fellow of both the American Academy of Microbiology and the AAAS.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center
101 Stephenson Parkway, Rm 1703 Norman, OK 73019
(405) 325-2843
