Nuclear magnetic resonance quantitative data

Spectroscopic techniques, such as ultra-violet (9), Infrared (25), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (24), and Fluorescence spectroscopies (5-8), constitute direct probes of specific events occurring at the molecular scale. When a quantitative interpretation is possible, spectroscopy provides very detailed microscopic information. Unfortunately however, the interpretation of spectra in terms of molecular events is often complex. Yet another approach that probes events at the molecular scale involves the use of tracers, such as chromophores (1-225). Again, the complexity of the tracer imposes limitations on the extent to which the data can be interpreted quantitatively. 

Comparisons of estimated diffusivity values on zeolites from sorption uptake measurements and those obtained from direct measurements by nuclear magnetic resonance field gradient techniques have indicated large discrepancies between the two for many systems [10]. In addition, the former method has often resulted in an adsorbate diffusivity directly proportional to the adsorbent crystal size [11]. This led some researchers to believe that the resistance to mass transfer may be confined in a skin at the surface of the adsorbent crystal or pellet (surface barrier) [10,11]. The isothermal surface barrier model, however, failed to describe experimental uptake data quantitatively [10,12]. 

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a powerful tool for the determination of structural information of complexes in solution. It can also be used for the examination of solution equilibria. In addition to providing quantitative binding constant data, the NMR method can often yield information concerning the site of binding. 

A wide variety of chemical and spectroscopic techniques has been used to determine functionality in humic substances. Although nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been used for a much shorter period of time than most other techniques for determining functional group concentrations, this technique has provided far more definitive information than all other methods combined. However, substantially more work must be done to obtain the quantitative data that are necessary for both structural elucidation and geochemical studies. In order to increase the accuracy of functional group concentration measurements, the effect of variations in nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) and relaxation times must be evaluated. Preliminary results suggest that spectra of fractions isolated from humic substances should be better resolved and more readily interpreted than spectra of unfractionated samples. 

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a powerful new tool for the determination of functional groups in humic substances. However, substantially more work must be done in order to obtain the type of quantitative data necessary for both structural and geochemical studies. 

These brief comments show that nuclear magnetic resonance can be used in investigations or verifications of the existing theories of chemical bonding. We expect our experimental work on A B compounds and further theoretical calculations to give quantitative data and to enable us to determine the contribution of each of the three defects to the observed shift. 

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