NMR Knowledge Base / Ezine
Aqueous asymmetric acid
Date: Aug 1, 2010
Author: David Bradley
The first example of asymmetric catalysis with a Brønsted acid in aqueous solution has been reported by German chemists who used NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to follow the reactions.
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NMR goes bananas
Date: Jul 15, 2010
Author: David Bradley
A new type of multiply functionalized natural tetrapyrrole , known as Ma-FCC-61, is found in ripening or senescent parts of the banana plant as the breakdown of chlorophyll takes place. An NMR spectroscopic study reveals details and shows that these unique tetrapyrroles carry complex ester functions at the propionyl side chain. These colourful degradation products may act to attract fruit-eating animals that then spread the plant's seeds.
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Problems, artifacts and solutions in the INADEQUATE NMR experiment
Date: Jul 14, 2010
Author:
The INADEQUATE experiment can provide unequalled, detailed information about the carbon skeleton of an organic molecule. However, it also has the reputation of requiring unreasonable amounts of sample. Modern spectrometers and probes have mitigated this problem, and it is now possible to get good structural data on a few milligrams of a typical organic small molecule.
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Cheating spectroscopy
Date: Jul 1, 2010
Author: David Bradley
REDOR, a new form of NMR has been used by researchers in the US to figure out why the cheatgrass weed out-strips soy crops, particularly in higher carbon dioxide. Their results have serious implications for agriculture in the face of climate change.
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Palm-sized magnet
Date: Jun 15, 2010
Author: David Bradley
German researchers have developed a light, permanent magnet that is suitable for NMR and fits in the palm of your hand. Writing in Angewandte Chemie, they say it could be used for portable, high-resolution NMR instruments.
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NMR gets inside lithium-ion batteries
Date: Jun 1, 2010
Author: David Bradley
A simple and precise method for "seeing" the chemistry taking place in a rechargeable lithium-ion battery using NMR spectroscopy has been developed by UK scientists. The work might help improve battery design to remedy flaws in this kind of power supply, such as rapid discharge and loss of charge capacity.
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Forest fire phosphorus
Date: May 15, 2010
Author: David Bradley
Phosphorus NMR has been used to investigate the effects on the chemistry of phosphorus in soil as an indicator of nutritional quality for vegetation and tree growth following a forest fire.
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Biting chemistry
Date: May 1, 2010
Author: David Bradley
US chemists have constructed a molecule that bites its own tail. Fed a diet of zinc ions the "ouroborand" will release its bite to let other smaller molecules into its cavity. Remove the Zn and it will bite again trapping the "guest".
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Metabolic obesity
Date: Apr 15, 2010
Author: David Bradley
Evidence from NMR spectroscopic studies of individual metabolic profiles would suggest that the way our bodies digest and process nutrients in the food we eat is different for every person and could ultimately affect overweight and obesity problems.
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Evolutionary approach to studying brain chemistry
Date: Apr 1, 2010
Author: David Bradley
Researchers have used a technique known as "directed evolution" to devise a novel contrast agent that could enable non-invasive magnetic resonance studies of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, in the brain.
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