Could NMR be applied for other elements besides Hydrogen?

In summary, NMR can be applied to a variety of elements, but the major challenge for a multi-element scanning is the natural abundance of each isotope and the cost of producing isotopically enriched samples.
  • #1
xhtp2000
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Most books discribe NMR as a diagnotic technique for Hydrogen and its isotopes. Could Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy be applied for other elements with odd atomic number besides H? If so, what is the major challenge for a multi-element scanning?
 
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  • #2
xhtp2000 said:
Most book discribe NMR as a diagnotic technique for Hydrogen and its isotopes. Could Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy be applied for other elements with odd atomic number besides H? If so, what is the major challenge for a multi-element scanning?

It definitely can and it is not an uncommon practice. Here's an example of NMR using Pt:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...gikR_3oZQ&sig2=YGDlBc4U0DjdT9PWSXMnLA&cad=rja

Also note that electron spin resonance is a similar technique as NMR, but done onto the electron spin states.

Zz.
 
  • #3
xhtp2000 said:
Could Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy be applied for other elements with odd atomic number besides H?
Certainly. Phosphorous is a commonly used nucleus also.
 
  • #4
xhtp2000 said:
Most book discribe NMR as a diagnotic technique for Hydrogen and its isotopes.

Of four standard spectroscopic methods used in the organic analysis two are NMR techniques using different nuclei: H NMR and C-13 NMR. Two other are IR and MS.
 
  • #5
ZapperZ said:
It definitely can and it is not an uncommon practice. Here's an example of NMR using Pt:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0ahUKEwj7uOC-94bKAhVCNSYKHakeDWEQFggkMAE&url=http://www.technology.matthey.com/pdf/pmr-v37-i1-017-023.pdf&usg=AFQjCNEBbxqmZZFm7m7oE-3LAgikR_3oZQ&sig2=YGDlBc4U0DjdT9PWSXMnLA&cad=rja

Also note that electron spin resonance is a similar technique as NMR, but done onto the electron spin states.

Zz.
Thank you so much for your answers guys! But what is the challenge to have a multi-elemental mapping using NMR, say, is it possible to have H, C13, P, etc.all elements with odd atomic numbers at the same time?
 
  • #6
xhtp2000 said:
Thank you so much for your answers guys! But what is the challenge to have a multi-elemental mapping using NMR, say, is it possible to have H, C13, P, etc.all elements with odd atomic numbers at the same time?

What NMR requires is a nonzero nuclear spin - for example, 2H and 14N are often used for (quadrupolar) NMR studies in a variety of applications.

You need to examine the natural abundance of each isotope to see how the numbers pan out - for example, 1H is the vastly predominant stable isotope (> 99.9%), 13C is the vastly non-dominant stable isotope (~ 1%), and 31P is the only stable isotope (100%). However, it is possible to produce isotopically enriched samples to make doing experiments easier in that regard. So a naturally occurring chemical/biological/material sample here on Earth will be extremely rich in 1H, all 31P, but have a small amount of 13C. This may or may not be a problem, depending on what you want to do.
 

Related to Could NMR be applied for other elements besides Hydrogen?

1. Can NMR be used for elements other than Hydrogen?

Yes, NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) can be used for other elements besides Hydrogen. In fact, NMR spectroscopy has been successfully applied to a wide range of elements, including Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Fluorine.

2. How does NMR work for elements other than Hydrogen?

NMR spectroscopy works by detecting the nuclear spin of atoms in a sample. Different elements have different nuclear spin properties, which can be measured and analyzed using NMR techniques. This allows for the study of various elements, not just Hydrogen.

3. Is NMR applicable to all elements?

While NMR can be used for a wide range of elements, there are some limitations. NMR spectroscopy is most commonly used for elements with a spin quantum number of 1/2, such as Hydrogen, Carbon, and Nitrogen. Elements with higher spin quantum numbers, such as Phosphorus and Sulfur, can also be studied using NMR, but with more complex techniques.

4. What are the benefits of using NMR for other elements?

NMR spectroscopy is a powerful analytical tool that provides information about the chemical structure, bonding, and dynamics of molecules. By using NMR for other elements, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of the properties and behavior of various compounds, which can have implications in fields such as pharmaceuticals, materials science, and environmental science.

5. Are there any challenges in using NMR for other elements?

One of the main challenges in using NMR for other elements is the need for specialized equipment and techniques. Different elements may require different types of NMR instruments and sample preparation methods. Additionally, the interpretation of NMR spectra for non-Hydrogen elements can be more complex and require advanced data analysis skills.

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