Magritek’s Spinsolve NMR Spectrometer

Magritek’s sophisticated analytical tool, Spinsolve™ NMR Spectrometer (Figure 1) allows researchers to perform proton NMR spectra measurements within seconds. The superior sensitivity and the ability to provide quick results enable the Spinsolve™ NMR spectrometer to stand out from other benchtop NMR spectrometers. This article discusses the key features of the Magritek Spinsolve™ NMR spectrometer.

Figure 1. The Magritek Spinsolve™ NMR Spectrometer.

Specifications and Requirements

The following are the specifications of the Spinsolve™ NMR Spectrometer:

The following are the requirements of the Spinsolve™ NMR Spectrometer:

Quick Results

A single NMR scan using the Spinsolve™ NMR spectrometer is adequate to measure concentrations and reveal molecular structure for many samples. Figure 2 shows the spectrum of lidocaine that was collected within 10s. The time taken for measurement and the ability to detect the lowest possible sample concentration define the sensitivity of an NMR instrument. The Spinsolve™ NMR spectrometer has a signal-to-noise ratio of 10:1 for a 0.1% ethylbenzene sample, demonstrating its unprecedented sensitivity over other benchtop NMR instruments.

Figure 2. The NMR spectrum of lidocaine.

Convenient Operation

The Spinsolve™ NMR spectrometer is a compact and powerful instrument delivering high performance and is mountable on a typical chemistry workbench, thanks to Magritek’s patented permanent magnet design. The use of permanent magnet technology eliminates the need for high-cost cryogens employed by traditional superconducting NMR magnets, and maintains the stray magnetic field fully within the Spinsolve™ NMR spectrometer. Therefore, operators are not exposed to safety issues associated with magnetic field while working within the proximity of the system.

Unprecedented Resolution

The power to differentiate the peaks of various chemical constituents in the spectrum is defined as the resolution of an NMR instrument. Higher resolution allows characterization of complex molecules. The linewidth needs to be specified at half height, as well as further down the peak because other peaks of interest cannot be observed due to a large peak’s broad tail. With a specification of 40Hz for the peak width at 0.55%, the Spinsolve™ NMR spectrometer has higher resolution to distinguish peaks in an NMR spectrum (Figure 3).

Figure 3. The Spinsolve™ NMR spectrometer specification of 40Hz for the peak width at 0.55%.

User-Friendly Software

The operation of the Spinsolve™ NMR spectrometer is managed by user-friendly software running on a separate computer. Very little training is required to operate the instrument, thanks to the software, which allows immediate viewing of the acquired NMR spectrum or data transmission over email or to another computer for further analysis. The key features of the software are also follows:

• A convenient intuitive graphical interface
• Simple, one-button operation
• Conventional NMR intricacies are hidden and automated
• Automated and user friendly
• Minimal user controlled parameters
• Includes a one-year license for Mestrelab Mnova software for sophisticated data analysis capability

Sample Tubes

Standard 5mm OD NMR tubes (Figure 4) are used in the Spinsolve™ NMR spectrometer, allowing fast and convenient sample loading and eliminating the problems associated with syringes and capillaries, which are time intensive and prone to clogging.

Figure 4. The Spinsolve™ NMR spectrometer uses standard 5mm OD NMR tubes.

Organic Chemistry Education

Allowing chemistry students to handle costly and easily breakable NMR instruments may lead to expensive losses. The use of high-resolution benchtop NMR instrument enables students to learn and conveniently use NMR. A typical organic chemistry lab task for students is illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, showing the preparation of phenacetin. Figure 5 shows the NMR spectrum collected for the intermediate p-hydroxyacetanilide using the Spinsolve™ NMR spectrometer.

Figure 5. The NMR spectrum collected for the intermediate p-hydroxyacetanilide.

Figure 6 presents the NMR spectrum of the final product, phenacetin. As can be seen, the hydroxyl peak is disappeared at 8.4ppm, and the methyl peak and the the methylene peak are appeared at 1.3pppm and 3.9ppm, respectively.

Figure 6. The NMR spectrum of the final product, phenacetin.

Chemical Molecular Analysis

Figures 7 and 8 demonstrate the application of the Magritek Spinsolve™ NMR spectrometer to collect NMR spectra for chemical molecular analysis using a single scan and an acquisition time of 10s. Figure 7 depicts an NMR spectrum of 200mM ibuprofen dispersed in d-chloroform. The lines relative to the various protons in the molecule have been fully assigned, and the numbers are provided in the molecule depicted in the inset. At position 2, the methyl peaks at 1ppm are divided by their coupling to a single proton.

Figure 7. The NMR spectrum of 200mM ibuprofen dispersed in d-chloroform.

Figure 8 presents the NMR spectrum of a 200mM lidocaine sample dispersed in d-chloroform, allowing the observation and resolution of all spectral features. The Spinsolve™ NMR spectrometer allows resolving the methyl groups at positions 16 and 17 from the methyl groups at 10 and 11.

Figure 8. The NMR spectrum of a 200mM lidocaine sample dispersed in d-chloroform.

Conclusion

The Spinsolve™ NMR spectrometer can be used in virtually all typical lab conditions and is engineered to be mounted on a normal lab bench. The CE-compliant spectrometer must be placed away from instruments consisting of rapidly moving components to avoid vibrations.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Magritek.

For more information on this source, please visit Magritek.