500 MHz NMR spectrometer with broadband probe

• Subject Area: Biological Chemistry and Food Chemistry
• Term: Funded in 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 579250346

For all chemical research at the University of Wuppertal (BUW), we are applying for a 500 MHz NMR spectrometer with a broadband probehead to replace the outdated 400 MHz instrument. The new spectrometer will be used by a wide range of research groups for the structural elucidation of complex small molecules, for food analysis, and for the investigation of reaction mechanisms and reaction dynamics. In addition, the instrument will play an important role in teaching, enabling students to gain hands-on experience with modern NMR technology and to acquire essential competencies for contemporary chemical and biological research. Currently, BUW operates two high-resolution NMR spectrometers: a Bruker AVANCE 400 MHz with a 5 mm BBO probehead, and an AVANCE III 600 MHz with 5 mm BBI, 10 mm SEX, and 3 mm TXI probeheads. Both devices constitute a central component of the analytical services provided by the Department of Chemistry and Biology and are used by all chemistry- and biology-oriented research groups. The 400 MHz instrument, acquired in 1994 and upgraded in 2009, is now more than 30 years old and is no longer maintained by Bruker. The 600 MHz instrument, purchased in 2009, has recently failed due to quenching and is no longer operational. The focus of this application is therefore on the acquisition of a new 500 MHz spectrometer to replace the outdated 400 MHz device. In parallel, a separate application has already been submitted to the DFG for the replacement of the failed 600 MHz spectrometer. Approval of the present application is essential to restore the analytical and teaching capacity of the Department and, above all, to ensure the continuation of excellent chemical and biological research at BUW.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: NMR-Spektrometer 500 MHz mit Breitband-Probenkopf
• Instrumentation Group: 1740 Hochauflösende NMR-Spektrometer
• Applicant Institution: Bergische Universität Wuppertal
• Leader: Professor Dr. Stefan F. Kirsch