Overview
Requests for deuterated samples are made through the ISIS Proposal System when applying for beamtime. However, it is strongly advised that any requests are first discussed with the ISIS Deuteration Facility (ISISDeuterationFacility@stfc.ac.uk) to assess feasibility. The deuteration team have a wide range of chemical expertise, and the laboratory itself is well equipped with synthetic and analytical equipment.
Proposal Route
All submitted proposals are initially reviewed by the internal Deuteration Facility Access Panel (FAP) to assess the feasibility of the request. The outcome is then passed onto the Science Groups that carry out the peer reviewed ISIS FAPs. This is strictly a practical assessment of the technical and resource requirements of the request. If your proposal is accepted, you will be sent a formal letter from the Deuteration Management Team with further details.
The Deuteration Facility has the capability to host and supervise researchers. Examples of this include PhD students who may use our facilities to either synthesise requested compounds or to learn about the deuteration techniques that we use. We are also happy to host independent researchers on longer term projects.
Location
The second floor of R55 Cryogenic Extension.
Terms and Conditions
All users requesting material from the ISIS Deuteration Facility are required to contact the facility to discuss feasibility prior to submission.
All compounds supplied by the ISIS Deuteration Facility are explicitly for use on approved neutron experiments and associated measurements. Only the requesting users are permitted to use the materials supplied. Any third-party use must be agreed with the ISIS Deuteration Facility beforehand.
Any materials supplied from the ISIS Deuteration Facility must be acknowledged in any publications arising from their use. Whether this is via an acknowledgement or co-authorship should be discussed with the ISIS Deuteration Facility prior to delivery of the compound, in line with the publication policy (ISIS Publication Policy)
Users that request novel compounds from a custom synthesis will be expected to finish any experimental analysis and publications within a three-year period. After which time, the ISIS Deuteration Facility may offer the materials to other users.
After award of beamtime, users are responsible for confirming the specifics of the requested material and ensuring this will be available for the scheduled experiment.
Any accepted proposals will be rated according to synthesis time and risk. The levels are:
- Material in stock and can be provided for your experiment
- Material has previously been made with an established method and can be provided for your experiment
- Material has not been produced routinely; however, a known method exists. The facility should be able to produce this material for your experiment.
- Material has never been produced but has a high chance of success.
- Material has never been produced but has a low chance of success.
- This material is currently unfeasible for the facility to produce this. We recommend contacting other deuteration facilities (DEUNET – The Deuteration Network).
- Recommend to purchase from commercial suppliers.
As with all synthesis there is an element of risk, therefore although the facility will endeavour to provide what has been requested within an agreed timeframe, this cannot be guaranteed.
Access Policy, Safety Information and Working Practices
Access to the Deuteration Facility is mainly restricted to staff. However, use of the facilities including the laboratory, staff expertise and specialist equipment can be arranged on an ad hoc basis. Please contact the ISIS Deuteration Facility (ISISDeuterationFacility@stfc.ac.uk) for more information. A safety induction, COSHH and risk assessments for the work to be carried out will be required prior to access being given.
Contacts
Email - ISISDeuterationFacility@stfc.ac.uk
Dr Peixun Li - Science Lead
Dr June McCorquodale - Operations Manager
Dr James Tellam - Senior Chemist
Dr Kun Ma - Synthetic Chemist
Dr Yao Chen - Synthetic Chemist