Scheduling

The instruments are divided into two scheduling groups:

(1) The DRX 500, AMX 400, Mercury 400 and Mercury 300 are available to all individuals who have been trained. Access is first-come, first-served on a weekly, internet access time sheet:

Internet Scheduling for DRX 500, AMX 400, Mercury 400 and Mercury 300

(2) Time on the DSX 400 and DSX 300 is coordinated by Dr. Leisen. Measuring times need to be requested before Friday noon to be considered for the following week.

The Center Manager reserves time for user training, instrument maintenance, and operator-acquired spectra. One work station exists in the Center for dedicated offline data processing.


Instrument Availability

Varian Mercury 400 and Varian Mercury 300

These instruments are available to all trained users on a first-come first-use sign-up. Do to the high demand for this instrument the following sign-up rules are in force.

Between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM no more than 30 minutes at any one time.

Between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM one hour maximum time.

From 10:00 PM until 8:00 AM and all weekend one can sign up for an unlimited amount of time.

The time between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM Monday through Friday cannot be reserved. This time is available for single proton spectra on a first-come first-served basis. If no one is waiting to use the instrument more spectra can be run. However, if someone should show up you must give up the instrument and get to the end of the line.

Bruker Instruments

The Bruker instruments can  be reserved by any trained user for any length of time during a one week period.


Preparation of Solution Samples

The only way to obtain useful data is to have well prepared samples.

Samples of the required material should be dissolved in an appropriate DEUTERATED solvent. The deuterated solvent serves two purposes. First it acts as the lock material and secondly, if you are running a proton spectrum, it prevents the presents of a large solvent peak.

Use an appropriate concentration.

For a proton spectrum on the majority of organic materials of molecular weight of under 500 one needs between 3 mg to 5 mg dissolved in 0.7 ml of deuterated solvent. Since 13C is of lower natural abundance and lower sensitivity one needs more material to be able to obtain data in a reasonable amount of time. In this case one should use a minimum of 25 mg dissolved in 0.7 ml of deuterated solvent.

Solutions samples should be just that, solutions. There should be no particulate matter in the NMR tube. If necessary filter your samples. Gel like samples will be difficult to shim and give very broad lines.