Understanding 2D NMR

Organic structure determination using 2-D NMR spectroscopy: a problem-based approach (2nd edn)
Jeffrey Simpson
Academic Press
2012 | 540pp | £42.99 (PB)
ISBN 9780123849700
Reviewed by Cecilia Fenech

In short, this book achieves what it sets out in its title. It is a balanced text covering both theoretical and practical aspects of NMR spectroscopy. The first seven chapters give a comprehensive discussion of the relevant theories and practical considerations in the use of NMR spectroscopy for organic structure determination. The later chapters delve into strategies for organic structure determination and provide complex and simple assignment and identification problems, representing the most common applications of 2D NMR.

I found the introductory chapters to be well oriented to individuals with limited NMR experience or who need to get up to speed with the requirements of using 2D NMR. Commendably, they are not mathematically intensive, making them a pleasant read. Furthermore, chapters on instrumental considerations and data collection, processing and plotting effectively cover the practical considerations in using 2D NMR (and NMR in general for that matter). These were found to be well-placed, especially as such practical considerations are commonly a lacuna in similar books. I appreciated the approach adopted in the chapters on assignment and the identification of unknown molecules. It allows for a step-wise and coherent build-up to the next chapters where 60 simple and complex problems are presented.

The presence of an accompanying website, including the answers to the chapter problems and the assignation and identification of unknowns, would be a useful addition, particularly for early-stage researchers. This is because as the book currently stands, I was unable to confirm my thought process in assigning spectra and identifying unknowns. Nevertheless, I found this book to be very well written and accessible.

Purchase this book on Amazon.co.uk .