A Tool For Understanding and Visualizing NMR Spectral Interpretation

Proton NMR interpretation is difficult for many students, partly because of the wealth of information in proton NMR spectra. The NMR Mosaic is a tool which helps students to analyze proton NMR spectra logically to generate the molecular fragments corresponding to each peak.  Students can then easily visualize how those fragments fit together to form the molecule as revealed by the peak multiplicities.  The NMR Mosaic reinforces problem solving skills, makes mistakes in interpretation much more recognizable, and aids interpretation of complex multiplets.

The NMR Mosaic is now available in a software version with over 50 NMR problems to practice on.  It will even tell you if you got the solution correct!

Download a free upgrade for your existing License here.

A brief description of how the Mosaic works

Each peak in an NMR spectrum contains all the information necessary to describe a small fragment of the whole molecule.  The NMR Mosaic uses the peak integration, multiplicity (splitting), and chemical shift information to actually build each fragment of the molecule, peak by peak. It is available as a computer program and as "hardware." 

In both cases a generic Mosaic piece (CH3, CH2, etc.) is chosen based on the integration. Colored tabs are added to indicate connectivity (from the multiplicity) and/or the presence of functional groups (from the chemical shift). Thus all the spectral information, including connectivity, is represented in the Mosaic pieces. 

Once all the peaks in the spectrum are analyzed, it is easy to see how the fragments fit together to form the molecule. Any mistakes make in peak interpretation or connectivity become obvious as mismatched colors, so the mistakes can be corrected.


Testimonials

"I really like the NMR Mosaic. It not only makes the missing link in putting the pieces together, but also reinforces the need to use all information, shift, integration and splitting, in NMR analysis. Very nice!" Dr. Nancy Mills, Professor of Chemistry, Trinity University,  San Antonio, Texas.

"I don't think I could have done the NMR problems without the NMR Mosaic.  The pieces really helped me understand and visualize how the [spectral] peaks are related to the [molecular] fragments and how those fragments are put together to form the molecule." Holly Davis, Organic Student, Texas Lutheran University.