The use of nuclei with spin > 1/2 and quadrupolar splitting of the spin energy levels has certain advantages over systems of interacting spins 1/2 for building quantum logic gates. Experimental demonstration has been made using Na-23 (spin 3/2) NMR in a lyotropic liquid crystal system. The pulse sequences for establishing effective pure quantum states are given, and the resulting NMR spectra are presented. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-9606(00)01316-7].