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EPSRC Reference: GR/S69351/01
Title: Basic Technology: Molecular Rotors for Enhanced Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Principal Investigator: Levitt, Professor MH
Other Investigators:
Danopoulos, Dr A Horsewill, Professor AJ
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Mr Y Rubin
Project Partners:
UCLA
Department: Sch of Chemistry
Organisation: University of Southampton
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 February 2004 Ends: 31 January 2005 Value (£): 89,898
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Analytical Science
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Chemicals Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a very powerful method for determining the structures of large, complex, molecules, such as biomolecules, in the solid state. Currently, its main limitation is the poor strength of the NMR signal, which means that relatively large amounts of substance are required. This research proposes new agents for enhancing NMR signals in the solid state, using a special property of freely rotating molecules, called space-spin state entanglement, which derives from the Pauli symmetrization principle. It is already known that some freely-rotating molecular systems display a phenomenon called the Haupt effect, in which a small change in sample temperature generates a greatly-enhanced NMR signal. The aim of this research is to investigate materials which should display an even higher level of molecular rotational freedom, in the solid state. We will investigate (i) molecular hydrogen, trapped inside the carbon cages of fullerene (Cm) derivatives; and (ii) certain molecular hydrogen complexes of iridium. We will investigate the possibility of a high-temperature Haupt effect, which could generate NMR signals enhanced by orders of magnitude. If successful, this could lead to the development of a range of enhancement agents for solid-state NMR, with massive impact in the biological and materials sciences.
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Organisation Website: http://www.soton.ac.uk