Benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in forensic chemistry. (3rd August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Draper, Sarah L.; McCarney, Evan R.
• Other Names: Urbas Aaron A. guestEditor.; Corbett Charlotte A. guestEditor.; Mazzola Eugene P. guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Magnetic resonance in chemistry. Volume 61:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 106
• Page End: 129
• Publication Date: 2021-08-03
• Subjects: benchtop NMR -- forensic chemistry; Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Organic -- Periodicals; Magnetic resonance -- Periodicals; 538.36
• DOI: 10.1002/mrc.5197
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0749-1581

Abstract

Abstract: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful technique well known for its ability to elucidate structures and analyse mixtures and its quantitative nature. However, the cost and maintenance of high field NMR instruments prevent its widespread use by forensic chemists. The introduction of benchtop NMR spectrometers to the market operating at 40–80 MHz have a small footprint, are easy to use and cost much less than high field instruments, which makes them well suited to meet the needs of forensic chemists. These modern low field spectrometers are often capable of running multiple nuclei including 1 H, 13 C, 19 F and 31 P; 2D NMR experiments and advanced experiments such as solvent suppression and diffusion‐ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) are possible. This has resulted in a number of publications in the area of forensic chemistry using benchtop NMR spectroscopy in the last 5 years that was previously missing from the literature. This mini review summarises this research including examples of benchtop NMR being used to identify and quantify compounds relevant to forensics and some advanced methods that may be used to overcome some of the limitations of these instruments for forensic analysis. Further validation and automation are likely required for widespread uptake of benchtop NMR in industry; however, it has been demonstrated as a useful complement to other analytical techniques commonplace of forensic laboratories. Abstract : The use of benchtop NMR instruments in the field of forensic chemistry has recently appeared in the literature to meet a growing need for improved analytical methods. This mini review summarises this new field of research to date.