Topic overview

Start with the big picture

Nuclei such as ¹H and ¹³C absorb radiofrequency energy in a strong magnetic field, producing signals that reflect their molecular environments. Chemical shift, referenced to TMS, describes signal position; shielding and deshielding help explain movement upfield or downfield. In proton NMR, integration relates signal area to proton count, while scalar coupling splits signals and provides information about neighboring nuclei. The lesson also introduces relaxation and FT-NMR, then extends interpretation to ¹³C-NMR, including proton decoupling and DEPT. Two-dimensional methods such as COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY map molecular connectivities, while the Nuclear Overhauser Effect can indicate spatial proximity. Together, these concepts support a structured approach to interpreting NMR data in pharmaceutical chemistry.