Lab Equipment

As well as access to state-of-the-art Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, X-ray Crystallography and Mass Spectrometry facilities in the department, the Cloke lab features many pieces of specialist lab equipment used for air- and moisture-sensitive chemistry, small molecule activation and organometallic synthesis.

Glove Boxes

Inside the MBraun MB 200B

Two air- and moisture-excluding glove boxes allow for the manipulation of sensitive compounds, and for the preparation of sensitive NMR samples. The LabMaster utilises a dinitrogen atmosphere, while the MB 200B uses an argon atmosphere and also features an internal -30 ^oC freezer.

Toepler Line & FTIR

In-situ FTIR probe in cell attached to the Toepler line

The Toepler pump is a mercury piston pump, attached to a high-vacuum line, which allows for the addition of accurate measured quantities of gas to a vessel such as an ampoule or Youngs NMR tube.  This specialist setup allows for the stoichiometrically controlled exposure of complexes to small molecules such as CO, CO₂, N₂, H₂, N₂O, etc. in an air- and moisture-free environment.  When used in conjunction with a specially adapted IR cell that can be simultaneously attached to the Toepler line and FTIR probe, real-time IR data can be collected on reactions between metal complexes and gaseous small molecules.  The FTIR equipment can also be used on a stand-alone basis without the Toepler pump to collect IR data on complexes in solution.  Using the iC-IR software, scans can be performed at intervals of between 10 seconds and 10 minutes, and experiments can be run for up to 24 hours providing continous reaction monitoring.

MVS Machine

Metal Vapour Synthesis Machine

Built in this laboratory, the metal vapour synthesis (MVS) machine provides a route to synthesising organometallic complexes via the co-condensation of vapours of any element in the periodic table with organic ligands. 

Vacuum Lines

In addition to standard Schlenk lines fitted with oxygen scrubbers that are present on each bench, this lab is also equipped with two turbo molecular pumped high vacuum lines. Pulling a vacuum down to 10^-7 mbar, these lines are used for sublimations, desolvations and other high-vacuum procedures.