Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is an analytical tool used to identify and characterize molecules. In simple terms, NMR spectroscopy measures the magnetic properties of atoms and molecules.
NMR spectroscopy is based on the fact that certain nuclei exhibit a magnetic moment and can be polarized when placed in a magnetic field. The strength of the magnetic field is typically measured in teslas (T). The magnetic field causes the nuclei to align either with or against the field, depending on the strength of the field.
The nuclei can be excited by radiofrequency (RF) pulses, which cause them to emit a signal that can be detected and analyzed. The signal can be used to determine the structure of the molecule, as well as its chemical environment.
NMR spectroscopy is a powerful tool for characterizing molecules, and it has a wide range of applications in both research and industry. In research, NMR spectroscopy is used to study the structure and dynamics of molecules. It can also be used to study the interactions between molecules.
In industry, NMR spectroscopy is used for quality control and to determine the structure of unknown compounds. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry to study the effects of drugs on the human body.