The purchase of infrared (IR) and mass spectroscopic (MS) databases as well as instrument-related software is proposed in order to enhance graduate chemistry courses (e.g. 523, 524, 571, 623, 662, 664, 713, and 714, and 764) and undergraduate chemistry courses (471, 423, 400, 408, 405, 450, 350, 321, 322, and 250). Based on the enrollment figures in these courses for the past two years, there are 290 students that will benefit from the availability of these databases and software. Out of the 290 students, there will be about 10 graduate and 15 undergraduate students that will utilize the items proposed in three or more courses. The IR and MS databases allow the spectral properties of about 12,000 and 125,000 compounds, respectively, to be compared to those in a complex sample. The Grams 32 software allows integrated processing of data from GC, LC, MS, FTIR, and NMR instruments of different vendors and the generation of spectra and chromatograms in formats suitable for journal publication, lab reports, and graduate theses. The IR and MS databases as well as the Grams 32 and Star GC software are essential for student training on the use of data systems commonly employed in the chemical analysis. The data systems will extend the capabilities of the analytical instruments and provide superior abilities in the identification and quantitation of chemical compounds. The specific advantages associated with the proposed items include (i) enhancing the instruction of spectral interpretation skills for students, (ii) ability to process data using other computers while allowing simultaneous instrumental operation with the dedicated computers, (iii) capability to store data for further analysis and manipulation, and (iv) improving the quality of research presentations and graduate theses by students.
