The user should be familiar with the advantages of each instrument in order to make intelligent choices about the most appropriate instrument to use. Lower charges are in effect for use of the NMR instrumentation at night and weekends, and users are encouraged to take advantage of the lower rates for samples which require lengthy data acquisition. Newly trained users, however, should try to practice during staff hours when assistance is available.

Some of the instruments are designed for routine, 1-D spectral acquisition (¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P, and ¹⁹F), while others are configured for more sophisticated experiments (2D, VT, ...) or more exotic nuclei. There are always two NMR spectrometers available for routine, walkon use. 

Varian Gemini 2000 300-MHz "Routine" NMR Spectrometer

The Varian Gemini 2000 is an easy-to-use high field NMR. It is equipped with a Nalorac four- frequency probe which allows the operator to switch the resonance frequency (proton, carbon, phosphorus, or fluorine) from the computer terminal without any manual adjustment of the probe. This is a "walk-on" instrument which is available only for 15 minute blocks of time between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM. (specs)

Varian Mercury-400 MHz"Routine" NMR Spectrometer

The Varian Mercury-400 is another easy to run NMR machine, but better than Gemini-300. It is equipped with a 5mm Nalorac four nuclei gradient probe which is similar to Gemini-300, and a 5mm Varian AutoSwitchable Gradient probe which can do the same job like Nalorac four nuclei gradient probe and can run some other nuclei also, such as ¹⁵N. (specs)

Varian INOVA-400 MHz NMR Spectrometer

The Varian INOVA system, equipped with three rf channels and pulse field gradient, offers a routine and robust way to do multidimensional (2D, 3D) experiments. Because of the pulse field gradient capability, data are produced faster and cleaner with one scan per increment because the time consuming phase cycling is eliminated. With the inverse detection pulse field gradient probe, CH correlation experiments like ghmec and ghmbc provide great sensitivity enhancement over convention hetcor type experiments and even hmqc experiments. This is extremely important when the sample concentration is low and ¹³C NMR cannot be observed.

The variable temperature accessory of the INOVA-400 provides rapid, computer-controlled temperature adjustment with high stability. This is ideal for kinetic studies and long-term temperature experiments. The temperature range for the inverse detection pfg probe is restricted to +80 to -80°C and for broadband probe is +130 to -80°C. (specs)

This instrument is scheduled a week ahead of time with the signup sheet available on Friday mornings. Users needing large blocks of time are encouraged to consult  with the NMR staff before signing up for time.

Varian INOVA-500 MHz NMR Spectrometer

The Varian INOVA 500 MHz NMR spectrometer has greatly increased the NMR capability of the ASL. This is a state-of-the-art instrument with three r.f. channels and single axis pulsed field gradient capability allowing most of the modern NMR experiments to be run. It is similar to the INOVA 400 with greater spectral resolution and greater sensitivity. The main purpose of this machine is for 2D/3D experiments, and for long term projects. This system equips with four different probes:  Varian 5mm trpfg,  Nalorac 5mm broadband, Nalorac 5mm idpfg, and Nalorac 3mm trpfg. Different probes are available on this instrument at different times so you must schedule your experiments well in advance. (specs)

Pfizer INOVA-500 MHz NMR Spectrometer

The Varian VXR-300 operates for solid state NMR. A multinuclear Doty solids probe is available. The Doty solids probe is a high speed spinning multinuclear probe which can achieve speeds up to 13 kHz with a 5 mm rotor; this probe can hold about 100 mg of sample. The recently available experiments are 1D MAS/CPMAS C13, Si29 and Al27. (specs)

Sun Data Station

All the NMR spectrometers are networked to the data stations, which are Sun Ultra 10 computers. The Sun Computer and the VNMR operation software offer fast transforming speed. With the laser printer the whole 2D process can be completed in a minute for complex 2D spectra. Data obtained on the Gemini NMR instrument can be transferred to the data station for analysis and other purposes.