NMR Spectroscopy is one of the most widely used characterization techniques in chemistry.  Despite pedagogical shifts towards active-learning and guided-inquiry approaches, incorporation of NMR spectrometers directly into undergraduate curriculum has remained largely limited due to mitigating factors of size, cost and availability of high-field spectrometers.  As a result, students rarely gain hands-on access to this instrumentation, particularly in the beginning stages of their programs. An emergence of a new class of benchtop NMR spectrometers that are affordable and do not require weekly upkeep or maintenance can facilitate the introduction of this technique into beginning or advanced chemistry courses.  <br/> <br/>Herein, we describe methods for incorporation of a 60 MHz benchtop spectrometer into undergraduate laboratory. We will illustrate these methods with two example experiments, highlighting how a group of 30-40 students can use NMR to determine structural elucidation, thermal stability and byproduct formation within a 3-4 hour laboratory period.  We will discuss considerations to minimize cost concerns and potential limiting factors due to field strength and sensitivity of low-field NMR Spectroscopy.<br/>

Incorporation of benchtop NMR spectroscopy into undergraduate laboratory curricula: Challenges and considerations

255th National Meeting (2018)

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