Making atomic nuclei spin - elucidating the structure of organic compounds with NMR spectroscopy

In the 2025–26 school year, the Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences will once again open its digital lecture hall to high school students. A series of online lectures will cover key chemistry topics relevant to the curriculum—presented clearly by experienced educators and supplemented with current research insights. This provides a dynamic look into the fascinating questions and methods of modern chemistry. School teachers are also warmly invited!

This time:
NMR spectroscopy is one of the most important methods for structural elucidation in organic chemistry. It is based on the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with atomic nuclei and enables precise conclusions about how atoms are bonded together in a molecule. In particular, the study of hydrogen and carbon nuclei provides valuable information about the basic framework of organic structures. In addition to its chemical applications, the session will also explore the connection to medical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This course explains the design and operation of an NMR spectrometer and demonstrates how structural information can be derived from NMR spectra.