Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility

University of Kentucky, Department of Chemistry

Room 33NMR, Chemistry-Physics Building

(859) 257-1183

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, or NMR. is a work-horse technique for characterizing molecules we synthesize and compounds we isolate from complex natural extracts. It is much more than one method, as it offers a dizzying array of experiments that allow structure determination, characterization of clusters and polymers, measurement of dynamics and kinetics and elucidation of reactivity. Familiarity with NMR is important for almost all academic and industrial jobs in chemistry.

Welcome to the UK Chemistry NMR Facility

The facility currently includes 5 instruments. In addition, there are data stations for offline processing of NMR data. Two high-resolution 400 MHz instruments are available for characterization of small molecules using all routine solution methods and a variety of nuclei. One 400 MHz spectrometer is maintained with the probe quadruply-tuned for 1H, 19F, 31P and 13C. The other can be tuned to accommodate spectroscopy of other nuclei, upon request to Mr. Layton. A 600 MHz high-resolution instrument is equipped for work on proteins and other macromolecules. A solid-state wide-bore 400 MHz instrument is available for characterization of materials, and any solid samples. A robotic 400 MHz high-resolution spectrometer serves our large undergraduate courses. We have just completed our transition to the VnmrJ software interface and new LINUX computers.

Two high-resolution 400 MHz spectrometers

We welcome researchers from all units of the University of Kentucky to use the instruments, upon receiving training. To receive training, please email Mr. John Layton at wjl@uky.edu.

Corporate users are also welcome, again upon training. Please contact Mr. John Layton at wjl@uky.edu.

If you are unable to contact Mr. Layton, please email Dr. Anne-Frances Miller.

Training

Mandatory initial training is provided by Mr. John Layton. Mr. Layton also provides assistance in collection of high-quality data, interpretation of spectra, the execution of high- and low-temperature experiments, and collection of spectra of exotic nuclei. Please allow at least 2 full days notice on all such requests.

A hands-on course introducing users to 15 of the most useful NMR experiments is offered in the department:The NMR course is taught by Dr. Miller.

In addition, users wishing to collect 2D spectra and execute advanced experiments are always welcome to contact Dr. Anne-Frances Miller.

Two students running gradient diffusion echo experiments and NOESYs.

Reserving Instrument Time

The remote reservation system for reserving instrument time is temporarily inactive. We apologize and request that users use the clip-boards stationed next to the two high-resolution 400 MHz spectrometers while the reservation system is being restored. For long-block use please contact Mr. John Layton. Users stationed outside the Chem/Physics building can also contact Mr. John Layton for assistance in making reservations until the reservation system is restored to function.

Again, if you are unable to contact Mr. Layton, please email Dr. Anne-Frances Miller.

Mr. John Layton is always ready to provide guidance and help you trouble-shoot problems that may arise. We urge you to seek his assitance promptly rather than 'mess around' on your own.

When Bad Things Happen

Again, if you are unable to contact Mr. Layton, please find Dr. Anne-Frances Miller in her office, room 113 (CP) and email her.

Who's Who in the NMR Lab

Day to day operations of the NMR facility are overseen by full time spectroscopist, Mr. John Layton, wjl@uky.edu, (859) 257-1183. Mr. Layton can usually be found in the NMR lab (CP 33 NMR) or in his office in room 313 of the Chemistry-Physics Building or in room 29 of CP. Mr. Layton maintains the instruments and provides individual instruction so that students who are beginning their research can learn to operate all of the NMR spectrometers in a matter of weeks.

Prof. Anne-Frances Miller is the director of the NMR facility. Contact her by email if you need help and are not able to locate of contact Mr. Layton, or if you are interested in more advanced NMR experiments such as the 2Ds (see below). If there is a malfunction in the NMR centre and you have tried to find Mr. Layton unsuccessfully, please look for Dr. Miller, generally in CP113 (or the NMR lab or in CP106).

Learning more

A hands-on course introducing users to 15 of the most useful NMR techniques is offered in the department:The NMR course, taught by Dr. Miller.

Click here to reach a web site providing "how-to" instructions for some 15 popular experiments maintained by Dr. Miller.

400 MHz wb solids NMR and 600 MHz spectrometer

These instruments are also available to users, upon completion of basic training to the satisfaction of Mr. layton, plus additional method-specific training by Dr. Miller. Alternately, if specific data are needed on a shorter time-scale, Dr. Miller can arrange for expert assistance in obtaining them. Please email her.

• Instructions for executing 15 useful NMR experiments and procedures.

The 'secret' door into the NMR centre.

EPR spectrometer

The department also maintains a modest but perfectly serviceable X-band electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer (EPR) with a two-year old resonator cavity and rebuilt bridge. This instrument is overseen by Prof. Miller. Please email her to make arrangements for training if you want to run the instrument. Training is mandatory. In addition, Prof. Miller offers a lecture series on interpreting EPR spectra. Notes from the first two lectures can be downloaded. The first introduces the EPR transition, the second introduces the hyperfine splitting.

[Departmental Resources]   [UK Chemistry Home Page]

This page was last updated by A.-F. Miller on September 10, 2011