Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)

NMR, a powerful technique used to study the structure, dynamics, and interactions of molecules in a variety of applications, has carved a niche for itself as an invaluable analytical tool.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (1H, 13C, 14N, 29Si, 19F, 31P...), first discovered in the late 1940s, is a powerful analytical technique used to determine the structure, composition, and dynamics of molecules at the atomic level. It involves the interaction of atomic nuclei with a powerful magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses. This interaction results in the absorption and emission of electromagnetic radiation, which can be detected and can generate a spectrum that provides valuable information about the chemical environment of the nuclei. Today, NMR spectroscopy has since evolved into a multifaceted technique with a wide range of applications, and is widely used in chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, structural biology, materials science, medicine, and environmental science.

Fig. 1. Image of nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer.

What is NMR Used For?

NMR spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique with a wide range of applications. Some of the key uses of NMR are:

Small molecules structural elucidation: NMR spectroscopy is widely used to determine the structure of organic compounds. By analyzing the chemical shifts and coupling patterns of nuclei in the molecule, researchers can infer the connectivity of atoms and the overall structure of the compound.
Polymer analysis: NMR spectroscopy is a powerful tool for the comprehensive analysis of polymer materials, providing valuable insights into their chemical structure, composition, morphology, and behavior. For example, NMR can be used to quantify the amount of different monomers or additives present in a polymer sample.
Quantitative analysis: NMR can be used to quantitatively analyze the concentration of specific compounds in a mixture. By comparing the signal intensity of a known standard to that of the unknown sample, the concentration of the compound in the sample can be determined.
Dynamics studies: NMR spectroscopy can provide information about the motion and dynamics of molecules in solution. By analyzing relaxation times and line widths, researchers can gain insights into molecular motion, conformational changes, and interactions with other molecules.

Application of NMR in Deformulation

NMR has proven to be particularly powerful in the deformulation of products like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, plastics, and paints. With its prowess in providing clear and distinct signals for each type of hydrogen, carbon or other atom in a molecule, NMR accelerates the process of determining the exact structure and quantity of each component in a mixture. It is reflected in the following aspects.

By comparing the NMR spectra of the product with reference spectra of known compounds, analysts can determine the identity of the various ingredients in the formulation.
By measuring the intensity of peaks in the NMR spectrum, analysts can determine the relative amounts of each ingredient present in the product.
By analyzing the coupling patterns and chemical shifts in the NMR spectra, analysts can determine the connectivity of atoms within a molecule, as well as the functional groups present.

Hence, NMR is of immense value in the process of deformulation, enabling the scientific community to uncover new insights, improve existing formulations, or troubleshoot problematic ones.

How We Can Help You?

Alfa Chemistry's team consists of highly skilled and experienced scientists and technicians who have an in-depth understanding of NMR principles and applications. If you are in industries such as pharmaceuticals, polymers, cosmetics, plastics, paints or food and beverages, and seeking analytical services such as formulation or deformulation studies, quality control, or regulatory compliance, our advanced NMR capabilities are here to assist you. Alfa Chemistry can provide:

1H-NMR spectrum, 13C-NMR spectrum, fluorine spectrum, phosphorus spectrum, nitrogen spectrum and so on.
300MHz, 400MHz, 500MHz, 600MHz NMR services
multi-dimensional NMR (e.g., COSY, NOESY, HSQC, HMBC).

In this context, we can provide detailed, molecular-level insights into your products, and identify and quantify individual components, including trace elements to assist your product development strategy, marketing understanding, or litigation challenges.

Please kindly note that our products and services are for research use only.