NMR – What can it do for you?
The Heriot-Watt University NMR Unit operates five spectrometers
Bruker AVIII 300MHz
This instrument, installed early 2010 and featuring the state-of the-art ‘nanobay’ compact console is our open-access workhorse (running>1000 jobs/month).
All experiments are predefined and automated, currently the following nuclei are available; 1H, 13C, 31P, 19F and 11B though others can be introduced if requested. The turn-around time on this spectrometer is rapid; typically 60% of jobs are completed within 10 minutes of submission. All raw NMR data is securely archived forever and can be retrieved by users for remote processing both off- and on-campus.
Bruker AVIIIHD 400MHz
We have recently (September 2018) upgraded our AVI spectrometer by re-consoling to AVIIIHD. The instrument, equipped with a SampleCase autosampler, is configured to operate in both automation and manual modes. The spectrometer runs TopSpin 3.6.0 on a Windows 10 Workstation with ICONnmr-managed automation, while the resident BB(F)O probe enables access to all nuclei from 14N up to 1H. The instrument is bookable via the U-Lab online booking platform.
Bruker AVIII 400MHz
Upgraded from DPX to AVIII in early 2010, this machine is used principally to run less routine experiments which require more user input. These include 2D experiments, most frequently C-H correlation, NOESY and COSY, multinuclear and variable temperature experiments. The spectrometer is equipped with an ATMA BB(F)O probe. In addition, the console hosts a MAS control unit and we have exchangeable probes for solid-state CP-MAS and HRMAS. Automated operation utilises ‘SampleCase’ 24-holder sample-changer.
NMReady 60
Delivered in September 2018, this table-top NMR spectrometer operates at 60MHz for 1H only. Simple to use and powered by a permanent magnet it requires no cryogens and is fully mobile; the residual magnetic field does not extend beyond the casing and so the instrument may be used in almost any environment. Perfect for outreach to schools and industry! The ’60’ may also be equipped with a flow cell to enable in-situ reaction monitoring by 1H NMR. Bookable via the U-Lab online booking platform.
Oxford Instruments X-Pulse
The most recent addition to the unit, installed in May 2021 is the X-Pulse, a tuneable multinuclear benchtop 60MHz (for 1H) NMR spectrometer. X-Pulse features pulse-field gradients enabling a range of advanced one- and two-dimensional NMR experiments including solvent suppression, relaxation time measurements, COSY, J-resolved and HSQC sequences. In addition, users may write their own sequences in Python, greatly expanding the range of potential experiments available. A dedicated flow cell facilitates in-line, real-time reaction monitoring, which, when coupled with multinuclear capability creates opportunity for a range of ‘monitoring’ approaches via a variety of elements including 31P, 19F, 29Si and 11B.