CHEM 385 – NMR as a Tool for Structure Elucidation of Organic Compunds

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has emerged as such an extremely powerful tool for structure elucidation of organic compounds that its importance cannot be overstated. Automation of NMR data collection is becoming mainstream, and this course will focus on skills associated with spectral interpretation of organic compounds without involving complex mathematical equations. The course will take off with the basic principles and theory as applicable to 1H and 13C NMR, then walk you through the tips and tricks for the analysis of spectra to identify functional groups, atom connectivity, and assignment to the molecular structure in a step-by-step manner, leading to the capability of reading an NMR spectrum to reveal the structure the way a physician reads an ECG (electrocardiogram) to know your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity. The fundamentals of several 1D and 2D NMR techniques–such as DEPT, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOE–and their importance in problem solving strategies for structural elucidation will be highlighted. The problem solving and analysis skills obtained by performing structural elucidation will be useful in fields beyond chemistry.