Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)

Definition

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is a physical phenomenon in which nuclei in a magnetic field absorb and re-emit electromagnetic radiation. This property is used to determine the structure of organic compounds and study molecular dynamics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NMR involves the interaction between atomic nuclei and an external magnetic field.
2. The most commonly studied nucleus in NMR is hydrogen ($^1H$), but other isotopes like carbon-13 ($^{13}C$) are also analyzed.
3. In NMR, resonance occurs when the frequency of the applied electromagnetic radiation matches the natural frequency of the nucleus.
4. Chemical shifts in NMR spectra provide information about the electronic environment surrounding nuclei.
5. NMR spectroscopy is widely used in chemistry for structural elucidation, as well as in medicine for MRI scans.

Review Questions

• What is the basic principle behind Nuclear Magnetic Resonance?
• Why is hydrogen ($^1H$) commonly used in NMR studies?
• How do chemical shifts help interpret NMR spectra?

Related terms

Magnetic Field:

A region around a magnetic material or a moving electric charge within which the force of magnetism acts.

$^{13}C$ NMR: $^{13}C$ NMR refers to nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy that focuses on carbon-13 isotopes to study organic molecules.

Chemical Shift: A change in the resonant frequency of a nucleus due to its electronic environment, typically measured in parts per million (ppm).