Simple Web-Based Interactive Visualizations to Illustrate and Explore Concepts in NMR Spectroscopy

The interpretation of NMR spectra is a fundamental skill for chemists. Multiple strategies and resources support the teaching and learning of NMR spectroscopy, such as worked examples and question banks. A challenge in NMR spectral interpretation is cognitive overload, especially for beginners who must assimilate new information alongside existing knowledge of molecular structure. A useful strategy is to provide visualizations of spectra. However, existing software solutions (often requiring purchase or installation) can be convoluted, with excess features for a beginner and a focus on organic molecules and 1H/13C NMR spectra. This work provides freely accessible, web-based interactive visualizations to support the teaching and learning of NMR spectroscopy (https://chem-ed.github.io/NMR/). These are designed to be simple, focus on defined concepts with minimal distractions, and increase interactivity to enhance engagement. These cover fundamental topics such as chemical shift, multiplicity, and J coupling constants, of use to learners relatively new to NMR spectral interpretation, as well as more complex areas like decoupling and successive coupling. A notable feature is the ability to consider coupling to quadrupolar nuclei (I > 1/2) and isotopes with <100% natural abundance forming satellite signals─concepts often overlooked but essential to inorganic chemistry and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, providing resources for more advanced learners.

Reference

https://chem-ed.github.io/NMR/

Euan D. Doidge, J. Chem. Educ., 2025, doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.5c00985