Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Code CHEM474
Coordinator Professor FPN Blanc
Chemistry
Frederic.Blanc@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Pre-requisites before taking this module (or general academic requirements):

 

Aims

This is an advanced module that aims to introduce the student to modern nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic techniques and their applications in analytical chemistry. The students will be able to understand the basic physical principles of NMR and to decide how to use it to tackle a particular problem of molecules and materials characterisation.

In particular, the module will deal with- the principles of nuclear magnetic resonance, including modern methods for the determination of chemical structure and intermolecular interactions in complex organic molecules, polymers and solids.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) By the end of the module, successful students should have gained an in-depth understanding of NMR and be able to explain the physical principles of these spectroscopies, analyse spectra and be able to discuss their suitability to address certain problems of materials characterisation.

(LO2) By the end of the module, successful students should be able to discuss the behaviour of nuclear spins and their ensembles in an external magnetic field and the influence of magnetic interaction on the appearance of NMR spectra.

(LO3) By the end of the module, successful students should be able to describe the structure of modern NMR spectrometers, explain the concepts of data acquisition and processing and show an understanding of chemical shift, magnetisation, rotating frame of reference, scalar coupling and basic pulse programming.

(LO4) By the end of the module, successful students should be able to explain the origins of relaxation, the principles of the determination of T1 and T2 relaxation times, their calculation from NMR data, and the relationship between relaxation and molecular motion.

(LO5) By the end of the module, successful students should be able to explain the nuclear Overhauser effect and its use in analysis of complex organic molecules;-

(LO6) By the end of the module, successful students should be able to describe the main principles of one- and two dimensional experiments and interpret the spectra recorded for both liquids and solids

(LO7) By the end of the module, successful students should be able to explain the differences in acquisition of solution and solid-state NMR spectra and specific methods used for solids (magic angle spinning, cross-polarisation and decoupling);-

(LO8) By the end of the module, successful students should be able to describe experiments suitable for the analysis of internuclear connectivities, distances and mobility in organic and inorganic solids.

(LO9) By the end of the module, successful students should be able to critically compare different methods of spectroscopy and their suitability to tackle a particular problem in materials characterization

(LO10) By the end of the module, successful students should be able to critically evaluate the use of spectroscopy to support scientific conclusions based on literature

(S1) Students will develop their chemistry-related cognitive ability and skills, ie abilities and skills relating to intellectual tasks, including problem solving as required by the Chemistry subject benchmark statement. In particular, at master's level, they will gain the ability to adapt and apply methodology to the solution of unfamiliar problems.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lectures. 16 lectures in person.

The lectures are supported by 3 in-person 1 hour tutorials

Coursework. 3 assignments week 4, 8 and 12.

*Lectures: 16 hr
*Tutorials: 3 hr


Syllabus

 

NMR (16 lectures)

1. Basics of NMR (lectures 1-6)

- Nuclear spins in a magnetic field

- Quantum mechanical description

- Chemical shift, scalar coupling, dipolar coupling

2. Advanced NMR (lectures 6 -14)

- Vector model of NMR

- Fourier Transformation and data processing

- Instrumentation

- Dynamics processes

- Relaxation mechanism

- Two-dimensional NMR

3. Solid state NMR (lectures 15-16)

- Magnetic interactions in solids (dipolar coupling, chemical shift anisotropy, quadrupolar coupling)

- Main experimental techniques (magic-angle spinning, heteronuclear decoupling, homonuclear decoupling, cross-polarisation)

- Studies of quadrupolar nuclei (high-resolution experiments for half-integer quadrupolar nuclei)

- Analysis of molecular motions in solids


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 16

  3

      19
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 56
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
unseen comprehensive open-book examination.  120    80       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
3 assignments    20