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ACD/Labs Blog

Arvin Moser
Typically, structure elucidation via NMR can be ascribed by a stepwise workflow: 1. a sample is prepared for NMR, 2. the NMR instrument is optimized for data collection, 3. NMR data is acquired, 4. the spectral data is processed, 5. the spectral data is searched/compared to an internal database for possible hits or similarities, 6....

Arvin Moser
A calculated neutral loss spectrum is obtained from a mass spectrum by determining the mass differences between the precursor ion m/z and each of the other peaks in the spectrum and plotting the original intensity versus neutral mass. Neutral losses with small masses have limited possibilities for their composition and thus can facilitate the identification...

Arvin Moser
Every analytical instrument will give an answer; whether that answer is right or wrong or the power is off is a different story. Knowing how to troubleshoot an instrument or setup a specific experiment can be just as important as knowing how to interpret the data resulting from that instrument. A great way to learn...

Arvin Moser
Methoxy groups have a distinct NMR signature that make them easy to spot in virtually every case. The basic pattern is a singlet integrating to 3 and ranging between 2.4 to 4.4 ppm on a 1H NMR spectrum (assuming no overlap with other resonances). On the 13C end, a 13C resonance is seen between 46...

Arvin Moser
An integral part of an elucidation is to recognize and associate an NMR spectral pattern to a structure or fragment. A challenging elucidation can be simplified by being aware of as many as possible NMR patterns. One example is morpholine; it typically shows a distinct NMR pattern. A portion of the 1H-13C DEPT-HSQC spectrum for...

Arvin Moser
2D NMR experiments such as 1H-13C HMQC, HSQC, and HETCOR spectra, offer the elucidator the opportunity to assess the presence of a fluorine atom(s). The 1H -13C HSQC spectrum below is another case where a protonated carbon that experiences 13C-19F coupling shows a unique correlation pattern. The CH carbon projected on the F1 domain at...

Arvin Moser
Experiments such as 1H-13C HMQC, HSQC, or HETCOR can be used to suspect the presence of fluorine but not necessarily rule out the absence of fluorine. The stipulation behind this assessment is that a carbon from either a CH, CH2 or CH3 group must experience 13C-19F coupling(s). The spectrum below is a region of an...

Arvin Moser
Without a set routine to acquire a 19F NMR spectrum for every single sample, an elucidator must resort to routine NMR experiments for clues to the presence or absence of fluorine. For the elucidator who routinely acquires a proton decoupled 13C NMR, the spectrum can provide some clues into the presence of fluorine. Carbons in...