Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is an analytical technique used to study the structure of molecules by observing how atomic nuclei behave in a strong magnetic field.
- Certain nuclei (like hydrogen-¹H or carbon-¹³C) act like tiny magnets because they have a property called nuclear spin.
- When placed in a strong magnetic field and exposed to radiofrequency radiation, these nuclei can absorb energy and change their spin state.
- As they return to their original state, they release signals that are detected and translated into an NMR spectrum.
From this spectrum, scientists can determine:
- The number and type of atoms in a molecule.
- How atoms are connected (bonding and structure).
- The environment of atoms (e.g., nearby groups or functional units).
- The dynamics and interactions of molecules.
In short, NMR spectroscopy is a powerful tool for identifying molecular structures, studying chemical environments, and analyzing complex compounds in chemistry, biology, and medicine.