NMR

We have 6 solution-state spectrometers in operation, all supplied by Bruker. Five of the systems had major updates in 2013 to AvIII HD standard; the sixth is a much older DRX-400. All the systems have multinuclear probes.

• Three Av-400 spectrometers, each with a “SampleXpress” automatic sample changer, provide an open-access “walk-up” service for trained users only.
• One 500 MHz spectrometer and two 400 MHz spectrometers are used to provide a service and primarily run longer or more specialised measurements. These spectrometers each have a rather older version of the sample changer.
• The facility can be used to observe many nuclei, for example ¹H, ²H, ⁷Li, ¹¹B, ¹³C, ¹⁴N, ¹⁵N, ¹⁷O, ¹⁹F, ²⁷Al, ²⁹Si, ³¹P, ³³S, ³⁵Mg, ⁵⁹Co, ⁷⁷Se, ¹¹⁹Sn and ¹⁹⁵ The types of experiments on offer include 1D measurements, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, HMQC, NOESY, ROESY, HOESY, TOCSY and ¹⁹F-X correlation; Relaxation (T₁ and T₂); Diffusion (DOSY); Reaction Kinetics Monitoring and Variable Temperature (-90°C ® +120°C).

Potential users of the open-access systems should consult the NMR staff about training. Samples for the service are submitted via room 004: new users should consult the NMR staff for details.

Distribution of data

Data from all these instruments is available via the ICT network. The NMR servers also provide forms for sample submission, the code of practice for open-access users, and various other documentation. The current generation of servers recognize ICT logins and passwords and are fully compatible with Windows 10/11 and later MacOS. The units in operation are named ch-nmrserv2.ch.ic.ac.uk, ch-nmrserv3.ch.ic.ac.uk and ch-nmrserv10.ch.ic.ac.uk. An archive of data is also maintained on a storage system operated by ICT: this is updated every hour. This archive can be accessed via a server provided by ICT at icnfs-chnmr-backups.cc.ic.ac.uk\ch-nmr using an interface very similar to the servers.

Desktop NMR processing software for PCs

The majority of students and researchers are using the MestReNova product for which we have a campus license: it can be downloaded from \\store.ic.ac.uk\ic\fons\chemistry\general\software. Free Bruker Topspin software with a 3-year academic license can be obtained directly from Bruker.

Charging for NMR services

All work is charged based on the machine time used: we charge at the same rate for each instrument. The hourly charges as of October 2024 are as follows:    

• Chemistry Department users (FEC grants) £12
• Other Imperial College users £15
• External to the College £70 (+ ICON fee) 
• External users should contact Imperial Consultancy (ICON)
• https://www.imperial-consultants.co.uk/services/

Contact

Peter Haycock - NMR Spectroscopist

• Telephone: +44 (0)20 759 45751
• Email: p.haycock@imperial.ac.uk

Stuart Elliott - NMR Spectroscopist

• Telephone: +44 (0)20 759 45751
• Email: s.elliott@imperial.ac.uk

Work with us!

We welcome requests from industry and academia to collaborate with us.