Huge savings for your classroom

Significance of the Topic

Benchtop NMR spectroscopy brings high-value analytical capability into teaching laboratories, enabling hands-on experience with nuclear magnetic resonance at a fraction of the cost and footprint of traditional instruments. This democratization of NMR supports modern pedagogy and broadens access to advanced analytical techniques in undergraduate and graduate courses.

Study Objectives and Overview

This brochure presents the Thermo Scientific picoSpin Series II benchtop NMR spectrometer as an educational tool designed to deliver NMR functionality in classroom settings. The goal is to showcase its affordability, portability, ease of use and curricular alignment, providing instructors and institutions with a compelling solution for spectroscopy training.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The picoSpin Series II integrates low-field NMR technology into a compact benchtop unit. Key instrument features include

• 45 MHz and 80 MHz permanent magnet options for basic structure and kinetics experiments
• Capillary cartridge sample handling to reduce consumables cost and risk of damage
• Modular design occupying minimal bench space and enabling easy repositioning
• Browser-based interface compatible with student devices (BYOD) for experiment control and data acquisition

Main Results and Discussion

Comparative analysis highlights significant advantages of picoSpin Series II:

• Five- to six-fold lower purchase price versus competing benchtop NMR systems
• Reduced ongoing consumable expense through reusable capillary cartridges
• Enhanced laboratory flexibility with a small footprint and simple setup
• Alignment with core curricula topics, including reaction kinetics, isomer identification, percent composition and quantum spin behavior

Benefits and Practical Applications

Designed to support a wide range of teaching modules, the instrument enables:

• Pre-configured experimental parameters guiding students through organic synthesis, extraction and acylation workflows
• Custom method and lesson plan storage directly on the spectrometer
• Access to a comprehensive library of instructional content covering synthesis of isopentyl acetate, extraction of eugenol, ferrocene Friedel-Crafts acylation and introduction to 1H NMR multiplet splitting

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Looking ahead, benchtop NMR platforms like picoSpin Series II are expected to integrate advanced data analysis tools, cloud connectivity for remote teaching, and expanded magnet field options. These trends will further enhance adaptability in research and industry training environments.

Conclusion

The Thermo Scientific picoSpin Series II spectrometer offers a cost-effective, space-saving and user-friendly benchtop NMR solution that meets educational demands for hands-on spectroscopy. Its versatility and curricular alignment give students a competitive advantage while simplifying laboratory management for instructors and institutions.