Methods / NMR

NMR spectroscopy

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is the definitive method for analyzing the atomic structure and composition of organic molecules. Our NMR services include routine 1H and 13C NMR analyses, as well as advanced 2D techniques for more complex research needs.

NMR spectroscopy
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Some of our NMR services

1H NMR spectroscopy

1H NMR spectroscopic measurement for samples that can be readily dissolved in deuterated solvents. The price includes sample preparation, deuterated solvent (D2O, DMSO-d, or CDCl3), NMR tube, measurement, and basic data processing. The processed spectrum is delivered as an image file. Additional information and raw data can be provided upon request. Please contact Measurlabs' experts if your samples require the use of other than above mentioned deuterated solvent or special measurement conditions, such as very high temperatures or long measurement times.
202 €
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13C NMR spectroscopy

Carbon-13 NMR spectroscopy measurement for samples that can be dissolved in deuterated solvents. The price includes sample preparation, deuterated solvent (D2O, DMSO-d, or CDCl3), NMR tube, measurement, and basic data processing. The results are delivered as an image file containing the NMR spectrum. Additional information and raw data can be provided upon request. Please contact our experts if your samples require the use of other than the above-mentioned deuterated solvents or atypical measurement conditions, such as very high temperatures and/or long measurement times.
321 €
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2D NMR experiments

2D NMR spectroscopy provides more information about the structure of a molecule than one-dimensional NMR and is especially useful in the analysis of larger and more complicated molecules. Some of the most common 2D NMR experiments include COSY, TOCSY, ROESY, NOESY, HMBC, and HSQC. The price includes sample preparation, deuterated solvent (D2O, DMSO-d, or CDCl3), NMR tube, measurement, and basic data processing. The processed NMR spectrum is delivered as an image file. Additional information and raw data can be provided upon request. Please inform our experts if your samples require the use of other than the above-mentioned deuterated solvents or atypical measurement conditions, such as very high temperatures or long measurement times. Prices vary with the chosen experiment, the presented price is the starting price.
394 €
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Xanthate content analysis

The measurement provides the content of different xanthates using a 1H NMR measurement. In the analysis, appropriate reference is used to quantify the results. Different degradation products can be analyzed simultaneously. Please get in touch with Measurlabs experts to get more details.
200–350 €
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Lignin hydroxyl group content by 31P NMR spectroscopy

Determination of hydroxyl group (-OH) content in lignin samples by 31P NMR. The method is suitable for lignin that has or might have free hydroxyl groups. The lignin is dissolved in a deuterated solvent (typically CDCl3:Pyridine), and an internal standard is added to the sample. Then, the hydroxyl groups in the sample + internal standard are phosphorylated, and the mixture is analyzed using 31P NMR. The number of free hydroxyl groups can be determined from the NMR spectra by comparing the phosphorus signal of the internal standard to the phosphorus signals of the phosphorylated sample material. The following OH-groups can be quantified (in mmol/g): Aliphatic OH, Phenolic OH, Carboxylic acid , Syringyl OH, Guaiacyl OH, Catechols, p-hydroxyphenyl OH, Total OH. The price can depend on whether your samples require specialized deuterated solvents or preparation conditions (i.e. high temperature or long dissolution time).
450 €
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Identification of an unknown sample

Measurlabs offers tailor-made analysis packages for unidentified samples. Our experts will formulate the needed analysis package based on the information provided by the customer. The formulated package aims to provide sufficient information to identify the sample components and their quantities. Most typically, the following methods are used to analyze unknown substances: CHNOS elemental analysis and TGA: These methods will provide information on the sample composition, mainly if the sample is organic or inorganic and if it has one or more constituents. XRD, XRF, ICP, and IC: These methods will be used to provide more detailed qualitative and quantitative information on the inorganic constituents of the sample. 1H & 13C NMR, and GC/HPLC-MS: These methods are used to identify and quantify organic constituents. Our whole analysis catalog can be used to analyze the sample if required. Please contact our experts to start building the unknown sample analysis package designed specifically for your needs. Please also note that the stated required sample amount is the preferred amount. Analysis of smaller sample quantities can also be conducted.
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Polymer characterization by NMR

NMR can be used to identify the type(s) of polymer(s) in a sample by studying the unique response of their nuclei to an applied magnetic field. This technique can be used to characterize a completely unknown polymer or a blend of polymers. NMR can also be used to study the purity or contamination of a polymer sample. During polymer synthesis, compounding, or manufacturing, materials can become mixed with unwanted polymers or other organic contaminants. NMR can identify these molecules and quantify their concentration in the sample relative to the intended polymer composition. The results of the analysis include a processed spectrum, which is delivered as an image file. Additional interpretation and raw data can be provided upon request. 1H-NMR and/or 13C-NMR can be used for this analysis, depending on the sample. Solid-state measurements are also available. The price can depend on whether your samples require the use of specialized deuterated solvents or measurement conditions (i.e., high temperatures or long measurement times). Please contact Measurlabs' NMR experts for a testing plan and quote tailored to your material and analysis needs.
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Authenticity of honey

As defined in the EU honey directive 2001/110/EC, honey is the natural sweet substance produced by Apis mellifera bees from plant nectar or honeydew. Honey that is placed on the market in the EU must meet the composition criteria outlined in the directive and must not contain food additives or other additional ingredients. Honey adulteration through the addition of cheaper sugar syrups is a typical type of food fraud. In 2023, the EU’s Joint Research Centre published a technical report in which 46% of the analyzed samples showed signs of containing exogenous sugars. The declaration of botanical and geographical origin is also subject to adulteration, as honey sold under a protected designation is more valuable. Several techniques can be used for honey authenticity testing, often in combination: NMR (1H-NMR) can be used to obtain a chemical fingerprint of honey, providing information on the botanical and geographical origins, as well as possible addition of exogenous sugars., Pollen analysis with microscopy supplements NMR data on botanical and geographical origins., Stable isotope analysis (EA-IRMS) is used to determine whether honey has been extended with sugars from C4 plants, such as sugarcane or corn. It can also detect the addition of sugars from C3 plants to some extent., Methods based on liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) can be used to determine if honey contains exogenous oligosaccharides and, with additional precision, if honey has been extended with sugars from C3 plants, such as rice and sugar beet.. This honey authenticity testing package can be used to determine whether the sample meets the definitions and criteria set for honey in Council Directive 2001/110/EC. This includes confirming the botanical and geographical origin and checking the honey for extension with sugar syrups.
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Prices excluding VAT.

  • Fast turnaround times
  • Personal service from method experts
  • Competitive prices
  • Result accuracy guarantee

What is NMR analysis used for?

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is an efficient tool in organic chemistry and quality control of different industries, as it can provide detailed information about the composition of a sample through the identification of components and their quantities. NMR provides information about the functional groups and their relative position to each other of molecules and different isotopes of atoms. Intermolecular interactions, such as small protein-ligand interactions, biomolecular dynamics, and low-transient and low-affinity complexes, can also be studied.

NMR can be used to analyze both known and unknown compounds. To identify compounds, existing spectral libraries can be utilized for data interpretation. Manual spectral interpretation can also be done in combination with other analysis techniques, such as mass spectroscopy, to find the exact structure of the compound.

How does NMR spectroscopy work?

The principle of NMR is based on the ability of NMR active nuclei to resonate with a certain magnetic field as a result of the magnetic properties of the atom's core and core electrons to survey the chemical environment of the atom. The active nuclei have two or more spin states that allow the energy to change in the nuclei. Active nuclei include, for example, 1H and 13C, which can be utilized in 1H NMR and 13C NMR analyses, respectively. Other NMR active nuclei, such as 15N, 31P, 19F, and 29Si, can also be used, but hydrogen and carbon are the most common because of their presence in most organic compounds.

In general, all moving charged particles generate a magnetic field. When a sample containing active nuclei of interest is placed between the two poles of a powerful magnet in the NMR spectroscope, a strong magnetic field goes through the sample. The magnetic field causes a perturbation in the atoms, which leads to a change in the spins of their electrons.

As a result, the nuclei of the atoms are charged electrically, and they start to behave like magnets. Therefore, the nuclei align with or against the applied magnetic field, creating an energy difference. Then, a fixed radio frequency is used to change the magnetic field to even out the energy differences. When the energies match, the nuclei can change spin states, meaning they can resonate and give off a magnetic signal detected by the NMR instrument. Based on the characteristic electron relaxations of elements, the structure of the molecules in the sample can be determined.

Interpreting NMR spectra

The result of, for example, a 1H NMR analysis is a spectrum with several signals corresponding to the number of chemically different types of hydrogen nuclei in the molecule. The position of these signals represents the chemical shifts, revealing what kind of chemical environment each of the nuclei is in. The relative areas under these signals (obtained by integration) tell how many hydrogen atoms of each type there are in the molecule. Lastly, the splitting pattern reveals the number of neighboring hydrogen atoms for each individual hydrogen atom. Based on this information, a high-resolution structure of the molecule can be created.

Suitable samples and sample preparation

NMR can be performed on both solid and liquid samples. Extensive sample preparation is usually not necessary: samples are just diluted to a suitable NMR solvent before analysis. Paramagnetic sample materials (ones with unpaired electrons) and large molecule sizes may cause the spectral lines to broaden to a point where the results are rendered unusable. For paramagnetic samples, EPR spectroscopy may be a more suitable method, while cryo-EM can be used to characterize large molecules.

Need an analysis?

Measurlabs offers 1H, 13C, and various 2D NMR experiments for a wide range of sample matrices. We have committed to delivering the highest quality analyses with short turnaround times even for batches of hundreds of samples, and our testing experts are here to answer any questions you may have and do their best to accommodate specific requests about reporting or timelines. Reach out to us using the form below to request a quote and we will get back to you latest the next business day.

Suitable sample matrices

  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Polymers
  • Proteins
  • Food samples
  • Fine chemicals

Ideal uses of NMR spectroscopy

  • Quantifying and identifying substances
  • Studying molecular dynamics and interactions
  • Determining the composition of mixtures
  • Characterization of polymers, including structure, co-monomer ratios, end groups, and average molecular weight (MW)
  • Sample purity determination

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Frequently asked questions

What is NMR spectroscopy used for?

NMR spectroscopy offers detailed information about the composition of organic molecules. With the method, a high-resolution structure of the molecule can be created, showing the type, quantity, and arrangement of atoms. NMR is often used in organic chemistry research and can be used as a quality control method in various industries. It may also be used to detect food fraud, for example, through honey authenticity testing.

What are the limitations of NMR analysis?

NMR samples need to be soluble in a deuterated solvent. Interpretation of the spectrum requires an experienced scientist, and data collection can be time-consuming (for example, 13C NMRs are usually run overnight).

What kinds of samples are suitable for NMR analysis?

Both solid and liquid samples are suitable for NMR analysis. Solid samples need to be soluble in a deuterated NMR solvent before the analysis. The analysis of small molecules is relatively straightforward, but it can be tricky to characterize large molecules, to a point where the signal is too weak and broad to yield valuable results.

What is Measurlabs?

Measurlabs offers a variety of laboratory analyses for product developers and quality managers. We perform some of the analyses in our own lab, but mostly we outsource them to carefully selected partner laboratories. This way we can send each sample to the lab that is best suited for the purpose, and offer high-quality analyses with more than a thousand different methods to our clients.

How does the service work?

When you contact us through our contact form or by email, one of our specialists will take ownership of your case and answer your query. You get an offer with all the necessary details about the analysis, and can send your samples to the indicated address. We will then take care of sending your samples to the correct laboratories and write a clear report on the results for you.

How do I send my samples?

Samples are usually delivered to our laboratory via courier. Contact us for further details before sending samples.