The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Center
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Training
In general, each prospective user must consult with the NMR staff before using any of the NMR spectrometers or the Sun workstations. Individuals who have not used our spectrometers before will be asked to go through a standard training procedure for 1D NMR (outlined below), please submit a User Authorization and Request for NMR Training [PDF] form for training. After completing and passing training, users are granted permission to perform experiments on their own. Only then will access to NMR spectrometers and the Sun data station be granted. Once you have successfully obtained the “routine, 1D spectrum,” you have paved your way leading to other advanced applications.
Standard Training Procedure
Schedule
The training is offered each week from Monday to Thursday. Please complete a User Authorization and Request for NMR Training [PDF] form and return it to the NMR facility director. You are encouraged not to start training until you plan to start using the spectrometers for research.
Study the basics
Please read through the Basic Operating Procedures [PDF] handout ahead of the training. You also can obtain a copy of the handout from NMR facility. If you have never used an NMR spectrometer before or you do not understand about NMR spectroscopy at all, read an introductory book or article or speak to someone who has experience or knowledge.
Session
Each training session is about 30 – 45 minutes. Training is done individually, on a user-provided sample and user research group account only. The training content and pace can be adjusted to users with different experience. During the first training session, you will learn to operate the NMR spectrometer and obtain a 1-D 1H spectrum. The next training session will be scheduled after that. The training will continue until you meet the requirements; the average is about three training sessions for each person. Training/assistance is provided until the user feels comfortable running the spectrometer.
Meet the requirements
You need to be able to obtain a good 1-D 1H spectrum of the test sample in 15 minutes. The plot should include the following:
1) A chemical shift scale in ppm correctly referenced to TMS or deuterium
solvent.
2) Integration (use part integrals) over various peaks.
3) Peak frequencies.
After you pass the test or meet the requirements, your access to all NMR instruments will be granted. You can reserve NMR time from the Schedule page, and use your password to log on to any NMR instrument and Sun data station. Please learn the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility Policies.
Individuals with experience level of 1D NMR who want to have training on 2D NMR or other applications, please contact the facility director, Dr. Yun Qu, at 828-1943 or yqu@vcu.edu.
