Interpreting 1H NMR Spectra

AQA A-level ChemistryNMR SpectroscopyLesson 11 of 11

To deduce a structure from a ¹H NMR spectrum, combine all four pieces of information with the molecular formula:
• Number of peaks: the number of H environments.
• Chemical shift: the type of environment (use the data booklet).
• Integration: the relative number of H atoms in each environment.
• Splitting: the number of H atoms on adjacent carbons (n+1 rule).

It helps to draw up a table with a row for each peak, then fit the groups together so that every neighbour relationship matches.

Worked example: an ester C₄H₈O₂ gives this spectrum:
• δ 4.1, quartet, 2H
• δ 2.1, singlet, 3H

More in NMR Spectroscopy

• The TMS Standard
• Deuterated Solvents
• 13C NMR Spectroscopy
• Interpreting 13C NMR Spectra
• 1H NMR Spectroscopy
• Integration Traces
• Spin-Spin Splitting
• The n+1 Rule

All 11 lessons in NMR Spectroscopy · All AQA A-level Chemistry topics