Research and Analytical Center for Giant Molecules
Section of Analysis ResearchGraduate School of Science, Tohoku University

Outline

The Research and Analytical Center for Giant Molecules and its antecedents have made significant contributions to education and research in the field of material sciences.They have performed measurements and structural analysis on physical properties data of various substances using large analysis devices.

The center’s antecedent, the Analytical Center for Chemical Equipment, was established in 1978 as a joint measuring lab of the four sections of the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science.In 1985, a separate building was constructed to house the center.In 1998, in line with the university’s focus on the graduate school, the Analytical Center for Chemical Equipment became part of the Graduate School of Science.

After receiving support from both within and outside the university, a range of general improvements were conducted, including an expansion of the center’s organizational structure and equipment.In 2004, the center was reorganized as the analytical research section of the Research and Analytical Center for Giant Molecules, Graduate School of Science.At that time, the experimental research section was also established at the center.

The analytical research section is equipped with the latest high-performance instruments for elemental, mass spectrometric (MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray crystal structure, and plasma atomic emission (ICP) analyses.These instruments play an essential role in determining the structures of small and giant molecules in research on fundamental and applied sciences.Moreover, this section provides crucial support to not only the Faculty of Science and Graduate School of Science but also other graduate schools and universities.Thus, the analytical research section continues to serve as an instrumental analysis center after the reorganization process. The experimental research section investigates the development of new chemical reactions, including organic and organometallic catalysts, and their application to the synthesis of new materials and biologically active natural products.

From 2002 onward, the 21st Century Center of Excellence (COE) Program ‘Giant Molecules and Complex Systems’ and the Global COE Program ‘International Center of Research & Education for Molecular Complex Chemistry’ were established at the university. The center has played an essential support role in the education and research work carried out in these projects and others, including the ‘Global 30’ and ‘CAMPUS Asia’ initiatives.

Furthermore, the center participates in the activities of the Technical Support Center at Tohoku University’s Technology Center for Research and Education Activities,making analysis devices available for use both inside and outside the university.As a participant institution in the MEXT’s ‘Innovation Centers for Advanced Interdisciplinary Research’ project that began in 2007, the center currently provides analytical device support to industrial, academic, and government users involved in nanotechnology research.

An 800 MHz NMR Spectrometer was purchased using funds allocated in Tohoku University’s 2011 equipment servicing master plan for the purchase of special large machine equipment.The center carries out day-to-day operations, management, and upkeep of the apparatus.This spectrometer is the largest NMR unit in the Tohoku region and the only large-scale NMR unit available. Therefore, it is being utilized as a joint-use device open to users throughout the region.In this way, the center and its cutting-edge analysis devices are contributing to the development of education and research activities throughout the university and the region.

Access

6-3, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi-ken 980-8578, Japan（Reception hours：JST 9AM – 5PM on Weekdays）

From Sendai Station

• By taxi : To the Rigakubu shizenshihyohonkan, it takes about 20 minutes and costs about 2000 yen.
• By subway : Take the subway Tozai line at Platform 2 to Aobayama(T02) and the fare is 250 yen. From Exit North 1, it is five-minute walk.