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Analytical Chemistry & Spectroscopy

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

A technique that probes molecular structure using the resonance of atomic nuclei in a strong magnetic field.

Formula / equation ν = γB₀ / 2π
Unit MHz

In depth

Nuclei with non-zero spin, such as ¹H and ¹³C, align with or against an applied field and absorb radio-frequency energy at a resonance determined by their local electronic environment. NMR gives more structural information than any other single technique.

Examples in the real world

Determining the complete structure of an unknown natural product from proton and carbon spectra.