Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is an analytical technique used by chemists for quality control and research. It allows to determine the content and purity of a sample as well as molecular structures of unknown compounds. In another words, NMR can either be used to quantitatively analyse mixtures containing known compounds or identify entirely unknown compounds. Furthermore, NMR is utilised to study chemical and physical properties at the molecular level such as conformational exchange, reactivity, solubility and diffusion. In order to achieve that, hundreds of various NMR techniques were developed over the years. Due to high versatility, accuracy and reproducibility, NMR became absolutely essential analytical technique for modern chemistry research.

NMR spectrometers with very strong liquid helium-cooled superconducting magnets are relatively expensive and not easy to maintain. Therefore, they are usually placed in large central laboratories owned by universities or big private companies. However, the recent boom of less expensive bench-top instruments using permanent magnets and lower resolution resulted in expansion of NMR spectroscopy in some smaller and unusual niches.

NMR spectrum as a digital asset

A NMR spectrum in raw digital format can represent a substantial value. Firstly, recording NMR spectra requires significant amount of resources in form of expensive instruments and consumables (cryogens and deuterated solvents) and labour of highly trained employees who run the experiments and maintain the instruments. Furthermore, labour that goes into obtaining the actual substance by synthesis and/or purification can be also considerable. One can see the value from the other perspective as well. Having access to verified source of NMR spectra in raw format can enable faster and more confident identification of substances either in pure state or complex mixtures. That can bring inestimable cost savings for chemical and pharmaceutical industry and chemistry research in general.