Analytical chemistry experts at NCATS support research throughout the Center, across NIH and with other partners. Primarily focused on small molecule analysis and purification, their state-of-the-art laboratory has a wide variety of instrumentation for medicinal, synthetic and analytical chemistry to support early-stage chemical development.
Capabilities
Semi-Preparative Purification
The analytical chemistry team routinely purifies samples with material in the range of milligrams to grams. Major and minor components (< 0.1 percent) have been isolated for additional testing and characterization. The team’s automated sample processing protocol allows for dispensing into 1D barcoded vials, Matrix™ 2D barcoded tubes and/or 96-well plates for efficient tracking, storing and testing. The entire process from receiving the sample to final plating takes less than one week.
Sample Analysis
- Liquid chromatography
The group uses a variety of liquid chromatographs to determine identity and purity. It uses single quadrupole liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry instrumentation for high-throughput automated analysis. All data are stored on the team’s network and can be accessed through its proprietary SMART software. Due to the wide variety of analytes tested, the team’s range of analytical detectors includes ultraviolet (UV), mass spectrometry (MS; positive and negative mode), evaporative light scattering detector and fluorescence. The experts achieve formula confirmation and identity determination of unknowns using time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF/MS). - Chiral chromatography for analysis and purification
Methods development with the chiral chromatography screening protocol includes analysis on seven different chiral stationary phases. Use of several mobile phase conditions enables development of the best chiral separation. The group routinely determines chemical purity and enantiomeric purity. The use of an inline chiral detector facilitates the determination of relative optical rotation. Matching the stationary phase of analytical columns with the corresponding stationary phase in both semi-preparative and preparative columns enables purification of milligram to gram quantities of the sample. The isolated enantiomers are returned as powders after chiral chromatography analysis to ensure purity of the material.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Analysis
NMR spectroscopy is arguably the most powerful analytical tool a chemist can use to identify and confirm organic molecules. Medicinal chemists at NCATS have access to two Varian 400 MHz VNMRS instruments equipped with autosamplers for daily use. Furthermore, the team routinely conducts advanced 1D (NOE, APT, DEPT) and 2D (COSY, NOESY, HSQC, HMBC) experiments for structural analysis and validation. Each instrument currently uses a 5 millimeter PFG AutoX dual broadband probe outfitted with a ProTune module allowing for NMR spectra of high-band (1H, 19F) and low-band (13C, 15N, 31P) nuclei. An XR401 sample cooler attached to the probe enables variable temperature experiments ranging from −40°C to 105°C. By employing microsample tubes, the team can obtain spectral data with minimal material.
Resources
- Agilent 1100 HPLC Systems
- Agilent 1200 Series High-Throughput LC/UV/MS System
- Agilent 6210 TOF/MS
- Biotage SP Purification Systems
- Chiral Chromatography Screening LC System
- Gilson GX-281 Prep LC System
- PDR-Chiral Advanced Laser Polarimeter
- PerkinElmer 341 Polarimeter
- PerkinElmer Spectrum 100 FT-IR
- Sirius Automation MultiTasker Robotics System
- Teledyne ISCO CombiFlash System Sq16x
- Varian 400 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
- Waters ACQUITY UPLC System
- Waters FractionLynx Prep LC System
Experts
- Chris LeClair, Ph.D.
- Dingyin Tao, Ph.D.