Nuclear magnetic resonsance (NMR) spectrocopy is the most powerful research tool used in chemistry today, but many chemists have yet to realize its true potential. Recent advances in NMR have led to a formidable array of new techniques - and acronyms - which leaves even the professional spectroscopist bewildered. How, then, can chemists decide which approach will solve their particular structural or mechanistic problem?

This book provides a non-mathematical, descriptive approach to modern NMR spectroscopy, taking examples from organic, inorganic, and biological chemistry. It also contains much practical advice about the acquisition and use of spectra. Starting from the simple 'one pulse' sequence, the text employs a 'building block' approach to lead naturally to multiple pulse and two-dimensional NMR. Spectra of readily available compounds illustrate each technique. One- and two- dimensional methods are integrated in three chapters which show how to solve problems by making connections between spins through bonds, through space, or through exchange. There are also chapters on spectrum editing and solids. The final chapter contains a case history which attempts to weave the many strands of the text into a coherent strategy.

This second edition reflects the progress made by NMR in the past few years; there is a greater emphasis on inorganic nuclei; some two-colour spectra are used; the treatment of heteronuclear experiments has moved from direct to 'inverse' detection; many new examples and spectra have been included; and the literature to early 1992 has been covered.

An accompanying text, Modern NMR spectroscopy: A workbook of chemical problems, by Jeremy Sanders, Edwin Constable, and Brian Hunter, is available from OUP. Using a combination of worked examples and set problems, this workbook provides a practical guide to the accurate interpretation of NMR spectra, which will be of value to students and professional scientists alike.

Jeremy K.M. Sanders' profile page

Brian K. Hunter's profile page

Jeremy K. M. Sanders is at University of Cambridge. Brian K. Hunter is at Queen's University.

'well written and illustrated ... It has a detailed contents section and is well indexed, making it easy to use. This is a useful book to have to hand for anyone who uses, or may have a possible use for, spectra from a modern FT NMR spectrometer ... its approach to theory is pictorial, descriptive and non-mathematical.' A.C. Pratt, Irish Chemical News, Winter 1992

'I strongly recommend this book for advanced undergraduate students and for research chemists who wish to gain maximum benefit from NMR spectroscopy in their preparative work and, where they have the opportunity, to make the best possible hands-on use of the capabilities of an NMR spectrometer. The many practical hints on performing NMR experiments will enable them to achieve that.' Christian Griesinger, Institut für Organische Chemie der Universität Frankfurt am Main, Angewandte Chemie, 1994 33/19

'contains much pratical advice about the acquisition and use of spectra' Journal of Chemical Education, Volume 71, Number 4, April 1994

'The lucid description of the techniques ... makes this new edition a very useful book on any chemist's bookshelf ... essential reading and reference material for the practising chemist.' Maruse Sadek and Bob Brownlee, Chemistry in Australia, March 1994