Analysis of the reduction product of 3-nitrobenzaldehyde using benchtop NMR spectroscopy

Benchtop NMR spectroscopy is capable of being used to track an organic reaction, for example, a hydride mediated reduction as detailed in this technical paper from Manchester Metropolitan University.

The spectra that are obtained contain sufficient information to be used by undergraduate students to elucidate the chemical structure of their reaction product by reference to the starting material. Laboratory instructors can probe students understanding, through reference to the ¹H and ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectra collected, of the electron withdrawing / electron-donating effects upon the shielding experienced by the aromatic proton nuclei.

The utilisation of Shoolerys’ rules enable students to predict the appearance of the resulting ¹H and ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectra, from which they can validate the identity of the product produced.